Portable motion detector and alarm system and method

ABSTRACT

A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed. An inertial sensor for alarm system or for activating or deactivating a device is additionally disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to copending U.S. application Ser. No.10/563,185, which is the national stage of International Application No.PCT/US2004/021,371 filed Jul. 2, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/613,518 filed Jul. 3, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a motion detector and alarm systemfor actuating an alarm device in response to movement of an object, andmore particularly to a portable motion detector and alarm system whichis easy to install and operate and is capable of detecting motionrelative to a variety of predetermined positions. Still moreparticularly, the invention concerns an improved inertial sensor thatmay be used in a motion detector and alarm system.

2. Prior Art

The problem of protecting homes, businesses and other premises againstunauthorized intrusions is becoming increasingly important due to theincrease in vandalism, theft and even physical attacks upon theinhabitants. Various prior art systems have been developed to addressthe problem and numerous examples exist of alarm or warning devices. Onecommonly used protective system involves wiring doors and windows insuch a manner that an unauthorized opening of the door or windowactivates an electric circuit which in turn produces an alarm.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,405 to Kitterman discloses an alarmcontrol system for protecting a premises including a four conductor busline leading from a master control station and extending about theinterior perimeter of the premises. Sensors positioned near each port ofentry to be monitored are connected in parallel relationship to the busline. Each sensor carries a biased reel carrying line secured to awindow, door, screen or the like. Disturbance of a sensor causes amagnetically responsive switch therein to generate a pulse triggeringcircuitry within the control station to activate the desired alarmdevice.

While effective, this system requires extensive wiring of the premisesas a bus line must be routed about the interior perimeter of thepremises between a master control station and the ports of entry atwhich the motion sensors are to be located. Hence, this system is timeconsuming and complicated to install, and installation may requireexpertise beyond that of the average home or business owner. Onceinstalled, the sensors of this system are not easily relocated. Further,the system may be defeated by cutting the wires extending between thesensors and the master control station.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,836 to Kruper et al discloses an alarm systemincluding a magnetic pulse generator for producing an output pulse inresponse to a change in magnetic flux in response to an intrusion of adesignated area. A radio transmitter circuit responds to the pulse fromthe magnetic pulse generator by transmitting a signal to a remotereceiver circuit which in turn generates a pulse for actuating anintrusion alarm circuit. The system requires a complex linkage assemblyto translate motion of the object to motion of a magnet. In addition arelatively bulky pick-up coil assembly is necessary to generate thepulse to be applied to the transmitter circuit.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,380 to Murphy discloses a portable alarm device witha battery or low voltage operated sound signal triggered by a magneticreed switch which is closed to complete the circuit by a magnet attachedto a movably mounted arm, the poles of the magnet being positionedperpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the contact strips of thereed switch to cause the reed switch to close when the magnet is ineither of two positions relative to the switch.

A need remains for a motion detection and signal generating system whichis small in size, easily transportable, easy to install and which cansense motion relative to any desired initial position of an object. Anadditional desirable capability of the foregoing system would be toprovide information about the detected motion to the owner of theobject, or a remote location such as a law enforcement or other securityagency. It would likewise be desirable to provide identificationinformation about a specific object whose motion has been detected inthe event that the motion detection and signal generating system isimplemented to detect motion at multiple locations (e.g., doors,windows) within a larger security area (e.g., a residence, an office orotherwise).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system fordetecting the movement of an object comprising: an object whose movementis to be detected, movable magnet means coupled to the object such thatmovement of the object results in movement of said movable magnet means,and means for detecting movement of the movable magnet means andproviding an indication of the movement. The means for detecting is incommunication with the movable magnet means.

The system further includes radiating means for wirelessly transmittinga predetermined signal in response to the indication of movement, theradiating means being coupled to the means for detecting. The objectwhose movement is to be detected may be coupled to the movable magnetmeans by a wire means which can also serve as the radiating means.

The system further includes means for receiving the predeterminedsignal, the means for receiving being separate from and located at adistance from the radiating means. The system preferably includes meansfor generating an alarm signal security response when the predeterminedsignal is received by the means for receiving. The alarm signal thusgenerated may be audible, visual or electronic and may include speakers,warning horns, lamps and the like.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of detectingmovement of one or more objects comprising the steps of: a) couplingeach object whose movement is to be detected to a corresponding movablemagnet such that movement of any object results in movement of thecorresponding magnet; b) detecting the motion of the correspondingmagnet; c) transmitting a predetermined signal in response to thedetected motion, and, d) receiving the predetermined signal at adistance from the object, or objects, whose motion is to be detected.

The method may include the further step of providing an alarm signalsecurity response when the predetermined signal is received by thereceiver means. The alarm signal may be audible, visible, or may be anelectronic alarm signal which is transmitted to a remote alarm centervia a telecommunications means such as a telephone line.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system which may be affixed to a wide variety of objectsincluding inside doors, outside gates, garage doors, children's barrierssuch as “baby gates”, valuable wall hangings and paintings, andcountless other objects.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system which is portable and is easily packed in a suitcaseand transported with a traveler to be later installed on motel or hotelroom doors, windows and/or any objects within the room, wheneveradditional protection is desired by the traveler.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system that provides movement information to a remotelocation, such as a law enforcement or security agency.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system wherein the movement information includes an indicationof the distance that is moved for measuring purposes.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system that provides object identification information eitherlocally at or near the site of the object or remotely to a designatedlocation such as a telephone number, email address, etc.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system wherein the object identification information islocally or remotely programmable.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a movement detectionand alarm system wherein the movable magnet means and the radiatingmeans are part of a remotely controllable trigger unit having both aradio transmitter and a radio receiver.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a security networkthat includes a security administration system operating in conjunctionwith an alarm system to provide security notifications to entitiesspecified by network subscribers, and to optionally download securityalerts and other information to the alarm system, where it can beaccessed by the subscribers.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a sensor fordetecting movement that does not rely on wire means to detect themovement of an object.

The present invention relates to a portable security alarm system whichcan be installed on a temporary basis and removed from an object whosemovement is to be detected comprising a motion detecting and radiosignal transmitting member, means for selectively coupling anddecoupling said motion detecting and radio signal transmitting memberrelative to said object whose movement is to be detected, and a combinedradio signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving asignal from said combined motion detecting and radio signal transmittingmember and producing an alarm. The alarm system may also include aremote control member for selectively actuating and deactuating saidcombined radio signal receiving and alarm generating member. The alarmsystem may further include an information gathering device for gatheringmovement information and a remote notification device for providing themovement information to a remote location. The alarm system can beimplemented such that the signal from the combined motion detecting andradio signal transmitting member includes an identification code that isused to provide object identification information either locally or to aremote location. Local or remote programmable means can be provided forselectively associating the object identification information with theidentification code. The combined motion detecting and radio signaltransmitting member can be adapted to provide distance informationrepresenting a distance moved by an object whose movement is to bedetected. The combined motion detecting and radio signal transmittingmember can also include radio signal receiving means and control logicmeans to facilitate remote control of the device for polling orprogramming purposes.

In additional embodiments of the invention, the alarm system of theinvention is part of a security network that includes a securityadministration system for receiving security information from the alarmsystem and for notifying designated entities specified by networksubscribers. The security administration system may be further adaptedto download security alerts and other information, including advertisingor other commercial information, to the alarm system, where it can beaccessed by the subscribers.

In further embodiments of the inventions, a novel inertial sensorconstruction is provided that may be used in the alarm system of theinvention or to perform other functions, such as activating ordeactivating a device that may or may not be associated with a securityfunction. The sensor may comprise an inertial mass mounted to apiezoelectric transducer. The sensor can be made shockproof such thatthe mass detaches from the piezoelectric transducer in response to ashock load and then reattaches itself following the shock event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,which are not necessarily to scale. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore notto be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be describedwith additional specificity and detail through use of said drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram showing the components of an alarm systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention as they appear inuse.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a movement detectingand signal transmitting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means of FIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the movement detectingand signal transmitting means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a movement detecting means in the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a movable magnet means in the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the movement detectingand signal transmitting means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a signal transmittingmeans in the movement detecting and signal transmitting means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a receiver meansaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a structure for affixing the outer end ofa retractable wire of the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans of FIG. 1 to an object whose movement is to be detected.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an alarm system accordingto another embodiment of the present invention that includes a remotenotification device and an information gathering device.

FIG. 13 is a detailed functional block diagram showing details of theinformation gathering device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14A is a detailed functional block diagram showing details of afirst embodiment of the remote notification device of FIG. 12. FIG. 14Bis a detailed functional block diagram showing details of a secondembodiment of the remote notification device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14C is a detailed functional block diagram showing details of athird embodiment of the remote notification device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing operational steps performed by theinformation gathering and remote notification devices of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a detailed functional block diagram showing optional aspectsof the movement detecting and signal transmitting means according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a detailed functional block diagram showing optional aspectsof the receiver means according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a unique identifier look-uptable.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing operation of the alarm systemaccording to the invention.

FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing optional aspects of aremote security administration system according the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing operation of the securityadministration system of FIG. 20 during a subscriber registration andprovisioning operation.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing operation of the securityadministration system of FIG. 20 during a security monitoring andresponse operation.

FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing an alternative embodimentof a movement detecting and signal transmitting means implemented usinga gyroscope sensor.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another alternative embodiment ofa movement detecting and signal transmitting means implemented using aMEMS accelerometer sensor.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a piezoelectric filmaccelerometer sensor.

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an accelerometer sensorconstructed from a modified piezoelectric buzzer.

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an accelerometer sensorconstructed from another modified piezoelectric buzzer.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are schematic diagrams of another alternativeembodiment of a movement detecting and signal transmitting meansimplemented using an piezoelectric accelerometer sensor.

FIG. 30 is a pictorial diagram showing an alternative embodiment of thealarm system according to the present invention as they appear in use.

FIG. 31 is a functional block diagram showing a remote speaker systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an environmental monitoraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary details of a remotecontrol unit according to the present invention.

FIGS. 34A-34H collectively represent a schematic diagram showing analternative embodiment of the receiver means according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 35A-35B set forth a flow diagram showing operational logic of thereceiver means of FIGS. 34A-34H.

FIGS. 36A-36B set forth a flow diagram showing additional operationallogic of the security administration system of FIG. 20 during a securitymonitoring and response operation.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram of another alternative embodiment of amovement detecting and signal transmitting means implemented using amagnetic field sensor in combination with an inertial sensor.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a first side of an inertial sensorhaving an unstable and unbalanced mass.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a second side of the inertial sensor ofFIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the inertial sensor of FIG. 38.

FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C are diagrammatic side views showing theapplication of accelerating forces to the inertial sensor of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is an exploded view showing a construction for a movementdetecting and signal transmitting means that incorporates the inertialsensor of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a portable security alarm kitconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 44A is a side view of an inertial sensor constructed for shockresistance.

FIG. 44B is a side view of the sensor of FIG. 44A during a shock event.

FIG. 45A is a side view of an alternative construction of the sensor ofFIG. 44.

FIG. 45B is a side view of the sensor of FIG. 45A during a shock event.

FIG. 46 is a plan view of a movement detecting and signal transmittingdevice that incorporates the sensor of FIG. 44, with the device housingbeing open to show the sensor.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of a movement detecting and signal transmittingdevice that incorporates the sensor of FIG. 44, with the device housingbeing open to show the sensor and a protective element that surroundsthe sensor periphery.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 48-48 in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configurationof the structure shown in FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the presentinvention, as represented in FIGS. 1-10, is not intended to limit thescope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of thepresently preferred embodiments of the invention. The presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood byreference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by likenumerals throughout.

FIG. 1 shows, in pictorial block diagram form, the major components ofthe movement detecting device and alarm system 10 of the presentinvention. The system is comprised of at least one movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20, including a retractable wire means 22,a receiver means 30 and a remote control means 40.

More than one movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 may beutilized in implementing the system of the present invention. Onemovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 may be placed oneach object whose movement it is desired to detect. For example, in aroom with four windows 25 and two doors 24, six movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 may be utilized, one on each window and oneon each door. However, only one receiver means 30 is necessaryregardless of the number of movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 used. There is no limit to the number of movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 which may be used with one receiver.

Each movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 is coupled toone object, such as a door 24, or window 25, whose movement is to bedetected. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means is a retractablewire 22 which extends from movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 to the object, 25 or 24, whose movement is to be detected. Oneend of retractable wire 22 is affixed to the object and the other iscoupled to movable magnets (best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6)located inside casing 31 of movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20. Typical means of affixing the end of retractable wire 22 to anobject include VELCRO tabs, glue, removable tape, and the like.

Receiver means 30 is configured to receive a predetermined signal whichis wirelessly transmitted by movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 whenever the object whose movement is to be detected, isdisplaced from a predetermined position. The object whose movement is tobe detected need not be in any particular position when the end ofretractable wire 22 is affixed thereto. If the object is a window, suchas depicted at 25, the window may be closed, or it may be partially orfully open, when retractable wire 22 is affixed. Any displacement fromits position when retractable wire 22 is affixed will be detected andalarmed.

Accordingly, a window may be left in a partially open position, as forexample, to provide fresh air to a room, while the occupant attends toother matters, or sleeps. Any displacement from the partially openposition will cause the alarm signal to be generated. Even in asituation wherein an intruder reached into the window and removedmovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 from the window, thepredetermined signal would be transmitted and the alarm signalgenerated, thus warning the occupant of an intrusion.

Receiver means 30 can be any receiver known in the art capable ofreceiving the signal transmitted through retractable wire 22. Inresponse to the transmitted signal, receiver means 30 initiates a localalarm signal security response which can be audible or visual. Inaddition, as a further security response option, the receiver means 30may initiate contact with police, medical, rescue or other emergencyfacilities or agencies. Receiver means 30 can be AC powered and may beequipped with an on/off switch. Receiver means 30 need not be co-locatedwith movement detection and signal transmitting means 20 and can bepositioned anywhere within reception distance of the transmitted signal.Receiver means 30 may be positioned anywhere about the room or the areato be protected and may be placed up to a distance of 150 ft. to 200 ft.or greater from movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20.

In a preferred embodiment receiver means 30 is powered by alternatingcurrent (AC). Therefore, it must be located such that a power cord, oran extension thereof, can be extended to the nearest AC outlet.Alternate embodiments of receiver means 30 may be powered by battery, ormay include battery backup means to supply power to receiver means 30 inthe event of a power failure.

In a preferred embodiment, receiver means 30 is a commercially availableBLACK WIDOW receiver unit, or similar units, which may be purchasedoff-the-shelf from various electronics supply companies such as WhitneyElectronics or Holsfelt Electronics. An AC adapter such as that depictedat 26 in FIG. 1 may be used to provide the correct operating voltage forreceiver means 30. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention aBLACK WIDOW RF receiver Model #2.CL manufactured by LCD Co. ofCalifornia was used as a receiver. FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram, ofa type well understood by those of ordinary skill in the electronicsarts, of a receiver unit suitable for use in the present invention.

Returning to FIG. 1, the system of the present invention may alsoinclude a remote control unit 40 which may be purchased from the samesource as receiver means 30. Remote control unit 40 controls theoperating state of receiver means 30. That is, the remote control unit40 may be used to electronically enable or disable receiver means 30such that the security response of receiver means 30 to the signaltransmitted by retractable wire 22 can be controlled. The remote controlunit 40 preferably includes a panic button which, when depressed orotherwise enabled, transmits a signal which instantly activates thealarm function of receiver means 30. The means for activating can be aswitch 27 which may be operated by hand to cause the remote control unit40 to activate the alarm signal, or to discontinue the alarm signalafter it has been activated by either the predetermined signal or theremote control unit 40 itself.

This feature serves as a “panic” button, i.e., a means of triggering thealarm signal security response within receiver means 30 to attractattention or call for aid in the presence of other emergencies. When itis desired to discontinue the alarm signal, switch 27 may be set to aposition which causes the previously activated alarm signal to stop.Such remote control units and receivers are well known in the electronicarts and are commonly used in other electronics applications.Accordingly, the remote control unit 40 is also readily available fromcommercial sources and may be purchased and utilized in the system ofthe present invention “off-the-shelf.” The transmitter circuit of theremote control unit 40 may be used as a model for transmitter 4 (FIG. 9)of the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 of thepresent invention such that both transmit the proper signal for receivermeans 30.

This feature may also serve as a means of testing the system 10 todetermine its operational status, i.e., ready to operate (or armed), ormalfunctioning. If switch 27 is manually set by the operator to aposition designed to activate the alarm signal within receiver means 30,and no alarm signal is produced, a malfunction condition is present. Ifthe alarm signal within receiver means 30 is produced, the system 10 maybe considered “armed” or ready to operate.

Once system 10 is configured as desired, i.e., each movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20 is positioned on a corresponding objectwhose motion is to be detected, and receiver means 30 is armed, anymovement of window 25 or door 24 will cause a predetermined signal to beradiated from movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 andwirelessly transmitted to receiver means 30. Receiver means 30 willreceive the transmitted predetermined signal and provide its alarmsignal security response. In the embodiment shown, the alarm signal isan audio signal provided through one or more speakers located withinreceiver means 30.

Turning now to FIG. 2 there is shown a perspective view of movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20, including casing 31, switch33, retractable wire affixing means 28 and retractable wire 22. Casing31 may include an opening 35 for allowing visible light, as from a lampor an LED 32, to be seen by the naked eye. The illumination of such alamp, or light emitting means, gives an operator a visible indication ofthe operational status of movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20.

Casing 32 further includes a slotted opening 41 through whichretractable wire 22 and retractable wire affixing means 28 may bedisposed. This allows flexibility in positioning retractable wire 22 onan object relative to the position of movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20.

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means depicted in FIG. 2, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.Casing 31 surrounds the internal components. The major internalcomponents of movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 are:an electronic circuit board 52, a rotatable frame 62 for supportingmagnet means 54, a supporting base means 34 and a rear panel 66.Rotatable frame 62 includes a channel means 64, wherein retractable wiremeans 22 may be disposed, and wrapped around rotatable frame 62. Alsoshown is spring means 58 (best illustrated in FIG. 8) for maintainingconstant tension on wire means 22 as wire means 22 is pulled closer, orfurther from casing 31. The foregoing components are coupled together bypin means 60 (best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8).

As shown in FIG. 4 retractable wire means 22 is in communication at oneend with rotatable frame 62. Rotatable frame 62 includes one or moremovable magnets 54, preferably opposite pole magnets which are spacedfrom each other and disposed within rotatable frame 62. The preferredembodiment includes 8 such magnet means 54 spaced equidistantly fromeach other around rotatable frame 62. Magnet means 54 may be of a typecommonly available commercially from sources such as Radio Shack. Onesuch magnet means suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is a common ⅛″ diameter earth magnet available fromRadio Shack, part number 64-1895.

Rotatable frame 62 is preferably a circular supporting frame which isprovided with a central opening 70′ (see FIGS. 7 and 8) about whichrotatable frame 62 rotates. Rotatable frame 62 is adapted to include achannel 64 for receiving retractable wire 22. Channel 64 extends aboutthe circumference of rotatable frame 62 and allows retractable wire 22to be wrapped about rotatable frame 62 in a manner similar to that of astring wrapped around a yo yo. The end of retractable wire 22 that is incontact with rotatable frame 62 may be affixed to rotatable frame 62 bytraditional means such by knotting the end of retractable wire 22 andinserting it into a notch within channel 64, or by wrapping and tyingone end of retractable wire 22 securely around channel 64. Retractablewire 22 must be secured such that slippage of retractable wire 22 withinchannel 64 is avoided. Other means of securing one end of retractablewire 22 within channel 64 will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art.

Magnet means 54 may be inserted into openings (not shown) in rotatableframe 62 and held in place by means of glue, or other suitable affixingmeans. The openings into which magnet means 54 are inserted shouldprovide a snug fit for magnet means 54 such that movable magnet means 54will remain securely in place throughout the life of system 10.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show exploded views from the top and bottom, respectively,of movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. As shown in thefigures, case 31 and rear panel 66 enclose the components of movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20. On/off switch 33 provides ameans for connecting and disconnecting power from battery 44 from thecomponents residing on electronic circuit board 52. Battery 44 may be acommon 9V battery of a size suitable for disposition within case 31.Other battery means, such as miniature batteries, may be utilized toconstruct smaller embodiments of the present invention. Such means willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Electronic circuit board 52 includes means 56 for detecting movement ofmovable magnet means 54. Means 56 for detecting movement of movablemagnet means 54 may be a magnetic field sensor such as a KMZ10Bavailable from Phillips Semiconductors. A schematic diagram of a typereadily understood by those skilled in the electronics arts illustratinga preferred circuit connection for means 56 for detecting movement, isprovided in FIG. 9. The circuit depicted in FIG. 9 operates generally asfollows. When the object whose movement is to be detected moves in anydirection, retractable wire 22 either extends or retracts (as bestdepicted in FIG. 1). When the object moves toward movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20, retractable wire 22 recoils towardmovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20, and vice versa.

As retractable wire 22 moves, movable magnets 54 rotate. When movablemagnet means 54 are displaced from their resting position, a change inthe magnetic field surrounding movable magnet means 54, with respect tomagnetic field sensor 56 occurs. FIG. 6 shows two rotatable magnet means54 in one possible resting position with respect to magnetic fieldsensor 56. FIG. 5 shows movable magnet means 54 as they move indirection 45, as shown by the arrow, past magnetic field sensor 56. Itis the change of the position of movable magnets relative to magneticfield sensor 56 which is detected by magnetic field sensor 56.

Returning to FIG. 9, magnetic field sensor 56 senses the change in themagnetic field and provides a signal representing the change, tocomparator 1, in this case a common LM 741. The output of comparator 1causes relay 2 to energize closing contact 3 and enabling battery powerto operate radiating means, i.e., transmitter 4. The circuitry oftransmitter 4 can be any available transmitter configuration known inthe art which is capable of transmitting a signal through retractablewire 22 and which can be configured to fit on transmitter circuit board52.

Transmitter 4 generates a predetermined signal which is in turn radiatedand wirelessly transmitted to receiver means 30. In a preferredembodiment, the output of transmitter 4 is coupled to wire means 22,which serves as a transmit antenna. Retractable wire 22 can be asuitable length of wire, cable, or any other electrically conductivematerial.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, electroniccircuit board 52, as embodied in the circuit diagram circuit of FIG. 9has many equivalents. It is not intended that the invention be limitedto the particular circuit depicted in FIG. 9.

Returning now to FIGS. 7 and 8 electronic circuit board 52 may alsoinclude a lamp 32 which illustrates when switch 33 is turned to the “on”position and power from battery 44 is applied to the electroniccomponents residing on circuit board 52. Electronic circuit board 52 isadapted to include openings 47 through which fastening means 43, whichmay be conventional screws, are passed as shown.

Rotatable frame 62, including retractable wire channel 64 and magnetmeans 54 is located beneath electronic circuit board 52. Rotatable frame62 includes a central opening 70 through which central fastening means60 is passed. Beneath rotatable frame 62 lies supporting base means 34which is adapted to include a central threaded opening 72′ for receivingthe threaded end of central fastening means 60. Threaded nuts 42 receivefastening means 43, and act as spacers to hold electronic circuit board52 sufficiently distant from supporting base means 34 to allow rotatableframe 62 to rotate. In this manner circuit board 52, rotatable frame 62,and supporting base means 34 are coupled together such that rotatableframe 62 may rotate freely about central fastening means 60.

FIG. 8 shows spring means 58 as it appears coiled around the interior ofrotatable frame 62. Spring means 58 is secured at one end to supportingbase means 34 by means of pin 48. Spring means 58 is thereby positionedto maintain tension on retractable wire means 22, as rotatable frame 62rotates. Thus spring means 58 provides the retraction mechanism forretractable wire means 22.

In accordance with the portability aspect of the present invention, theabove-described structure has been modified as follows. First of all,rear panel 66 of casing 31 (FIGS. 3 and 8) has pressure-sensitiveadhesive strips 70 thereon which can be pressed into firm engagementwith a window sill or door jamb (FIG. 1) and which will leave no markswhen removed. Strips 70 are marketed under the trademark COMMAND of the3M Company. The 3M COMMAND strips 70 have pressure-sensitive adhesive onboth surfaces. One surface adheres to rear panel 66 and the othersurface adheres to the fixed surface proximate the object whose movementis to be detected. Tabs 80 of strips 70 extend outwardly beyond panel 66and they do not have any adhesive on their opposite sides. After thepanel 66 has been adhesively secured to a surface and it is desired todemount the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20, it ismerely necessary to grasp each tab 80 and pull it away from panel 66 inthe direction of the longitudinal axis of each strip and substantiallyparallel to the surface of panel 66. This will release the strips 70from the surface on which the means 20 is mounted and it may alsorelease them from panel 66. Strips 70 preferably are applied to the rearpanel 66 every time the means 20 is to be mounted. Any other suitablepressure-sensitive adhesive may be used. The main objective is that themounting causes the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20to be firmly mounted in a manner such that it will not move whilemounted but which permits it to be removed so that it can be transportedto another location.

In accordance with the present invention, the retractable wire-affixingmeans 28 a of FIG. 11 includes a disc 71 affixed to the outer end ofwire 22 and an anchor member in the form of cup member 72 havingpressure-sensitive adhesive 73 mounted on its underside which is coveredby release paper 74. Cup member 72 also includes a cover 75 which isconnected to cup member 72 by a molded hinge 76. The cover has adisc-like protrusion 77 having an outer edge which fits in tightengagement with the inner wall 78 of cup-like member 72 when the coveris in a closed position. The cup member 72 is a commercial product soldunder the trademark CROWN BOLT of the Crown Bolt, Inc. company ofCerritos, Calif., except that it does not have the pressure-sensitiveadhesive thereon, which has been added in accordance with the presentinvention. It will be appreciated that other types of anchor members canbe used instead of a cup member 72. Such devices may include a smallhook or post mounted on a base having pressure-sensitive adhesivethereon in an analogous manner similar to adhesive 73. Also, as analternative, disc 28 may have a hole therein so that it is essentially aring which may be mounted on a simple post having a base withpressure-sensitive adhesive thereon, as noted above. Also, the post mayhave a bulbous outer end so that it looks like a collar button. Also, ifdesired, the outer end of wire 22 may be formed in a loop which may beplaced on a post or hook. In fact, any suitable arrangement can be usedwherein a small unobtrusive member, such as the foregoing anchormembers, may be securely fastened to the member whose movement is to bedetected and an attachment member may be formed on the end of the wire22 which can be removably fastened to the small unobtrusive member.

In use, the cup anchor member 72 is securely adhesively affixed to anobject whose movement is to be detected, such as a window or door, asshown by wire-affixing means 28 of FIG. 1, after the release paper 74has been removed from pressure-sensitive adhesive 73. Thereafter, whilethe cover 75 is in the position shown in FIG. 11, the disc 71 at the endof wire 22 is inserted into the cavity of cup 72 and the lid 75 isclosed. The other types of anchor members can be used as alternates tothe cup anchor member. Thus, the system is in a position to operate asdescribed above.

When the person who has temporarily used the portable system desires toleave the place where the system has been installed and take theportable system with him, he need merely deactivate the system andthereafter open lid 75 to remove disc 71 and permit wire 22 to retractdisc 71 back to a position wherein it abuts the casing 31. Thecylindrical cup 72 is merely left in position on the window or doorjamb, and it is substantially unobtrusive inasmuch as its overalldiameter is only about ⅜″ and its height is about ¼″. The other types ofanchor members described above may also be left where they wereadhesively secured to the movable member.

As noted above, the system of the present invention can be carried in abrief case, purse or overnight case from place to place. In thisrespect, the total weight of a preferred embodiment is approximately 20ounces, and it has a volume which occupies a very small portion of abrief case, suitably sized purse or a suitcase.

While the foregoing portion of the specification has designated wire 22as being an antenna, it will be appreciated that a suitable antenna maybe incorporated within housing 31 and the element 22 may be a suitablehigh strength string-like member made of suitable plastic or any othersuitable material.

Turning now to FIG. 12, an enhanced version of the alarm system 10 isshown wherein motion detection information is collected in response tothe detection of movement and provided to a remote facility, such as alaw enforcement or security agency. FIG. 12 functionally illustratesseveral of the components discussed above relative to FIGS. 1-11;namely, the above-described movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20, the retractable wire 22, the retractable wire affixing means28, and the receiver means 30. FIG. 12 further illustrates aninformation gathering device 90 and a remote notification device 92.Also shown is an optional computer platform 94. A remote networkcomputer host is further represented at 96. It will be seen that theremote notification device 92 communicates with the network computerhost 96, either directly or through the optional computer platform 94,via communication links 98.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 13, theinformation gathering device 90 comprises a D.C. power supply 100, acamera 102, an RF transmitter 104, and an RF receiver 106. The powersupply 100 can be constructed using any suitable constant voltagesource, including a rechargeable battery or an AC/DC transformer. Avoltage level of 12 Volts should be sufficient to power the informationgathering device 90. The camera 102 preferably has low lumen capabilityand the ability to capture live video images or sequential still imagesat a selectable frame rate. The camera 102, moreover, should be smalland unobtrusive. For video images, the camera 102 will typically be ananalog device. For still images, the camera 102 can be implemented as adigital device. In that case, the camera will include a memoryimplemented using a conventional RAM (Random Access Memory) or flashmemory chip (or plug-in card). A memory size of about 16 MB (MegaBytes),expandable to 256 MB, should be sufficient for this purpose. The RFtransmitter 104 is adapted to transmit image information captured by thecamera 102. If the camera 102 is an analog device, such as an analogvideo camera, the RF transmitter 104 will transmit analog RF signals. Ifthe camera 102 is a digital device, such as a digital still camera, theRF transmitter 104 will transmit digital RF signals or analog RF signalsfollowing digital-to-analog conversion of the camera images.

It will be appreciated that there are a number of commercially availablesurveillance products that can be used to implement the power supply100, the camera 102 and the RF transmitter 104. One such product is theXcam2™ video camera kit available at the www.X10.com Internet website.This product integrates a color analog video camera that can transmitlive color video (and audio) signals up to 100 feet, a microphone (foraudio signal generation), and a 2.4 GHz. transmitter into a singledevice of relatively small size.

The RF receiver 106 can be implemented using the RF receiving circuitcomponents of the previously-described receiver means 30 (see e.g., FIG.10). It is tuned to receive RF transmissions from the signaltransmitting means 20, and in particular, the predetermined signal sentby the signal transmitting means 20 in response to movement of theretractable wire affixing means 28.

The remote notification device 92 can be implemented in several waysaccording to preferred embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment,shown in FIG. 14A, the computer 94 is used. The remote notificationdevice of this embodiment, designated by reference numeral 92A, is aunit that includes an RF receiver 112 and a suitable output 110 (e.g., aUSB port, serial connector, or other suitable interface) for feedinginformation received from the information gathering device 90 to thecomputer 94. Power may be received from the computer 94 via a suitablepower input (not shown), or the device 92A may include its own powersupply 114. The latter may be a rechargeable battery or an AC/DCtransformer. The RF receiver 112 operates at the frequency of the RFtransmitter 104 in the information gathering device 90. It is adapted toreceive and process either analog or digital transmissions, depending onthe nature of the RF transmitter 104.

In the embodiment of FIG. 14A, the computer 94 includes a networkinterface (e.g., an analog or digital modem, an Ethernet card, or othersuitable device) and appropriate control software. In particular, thesoftware must be capable of establishing/maintaining a connection to theremote host 96 and forwarding information thereto that is received fromthe information gathering device 90. The XRay Vision Internet Kit™available at the aforementioned www.X10.com Internet website is oneproduct that can be used to implement the remote notification device 92Aaccording to the instant embodiment. This product includes an integratedRF receiver and USB converter to capture and manage images received fromthe X10™ wireless video camera referred to above. Software that isprovided with the product is adapted to operate on the computer 94 andforward the images received by the remote notification device 92A to anysuitable remote network host, either in real time if the remote host isso equipped, or via e-mail.

In a second embodiment of the remote notification device 92, shown inFIG. 14B, the device, referred to by reference numeral 92B, is astand-alone unit that does not require the computer 94. It includes aD.C. power supply 120, a memory 122, an RF receiver 124, and a networkinterface 126. The power supply 120 can be constructed using anysuitable constant voltage source, including a rechargeable battery or anAC/DC transformer. A voltage level of 12 Volts should be sufficient topower the remote notification device 92. The memory 122 can beimplemented using a conventional RAM or flash memory chip (or plug-incard). A memory capacity of about 4 to 16 MB, expandable to 256 MB ormore, should be sufficient for the remote notification device 92. The RFreceiver 124 operates at the frequency of the RF transmitter 104 in theinformation gathering device 90. It is adapted to receive and processeither analog or digital transmissions, depending on the nature of theRF transmitter 10. The network interface 126 can be implemented using aconventional analog modem, a digital modem (e.g., ISDN), or an Ethernetcard, any of which are connected or connectable to a data network, suchas the public Internet. A wireless interface such as a cellulartransmitter/receiver adapted to communicate cellular digital packet datacould also be used. The interface might alternatively comprise aBluetooth or Home RF (e.g. Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b)) device thatcommunicates over an air interface with another local device (e.g., acomputer or cellular telephone) containing any of the foregoing networkinterface devices.

In a third embodiment of the remote notification device 92, shown inFIG. 14C, the device, referred to by reference numeral 92C, comprisesvarious functional devices that plug in as modules to a suitable baseinterface 130. If the base interface 130 is a computer, the plug-inmodules could be implemented as PC or PCMIA cards. Other base interfacesinclude the DVi family of set top devices from Motorola Corporation. Ineither case, the plug-in modules could include a memory module 132, anRF receiver module 134, and a network interface module 136. Power forthese modules would be typically provided by the base interface 130. Thememory module 132 can be implemented using a conventional RAM or flashmemory chip (or plug-in card). A memory capacity of about 4 to 16 MB,expandable to 256 MB or more, should be sufficient for the remotenotification device 92C. The RF receiver module 134 operates at thefrequency of the RF transmitter 104 in the information gathering device90. It is adapted to receive and process either analog or digitaltransmissions, depending on the nature of the RF transmitter 104. Thenetwork interface module 136 can be implemented using a conventionalanalog or digital modem, an Ethernet card, or any other suitable device.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the operation of information gathering device90 and the remote notification device 92 will now be described. In step140, the information gathering device 90 is notified of a movement eventby receiving (at the RF receiver 106) a predetermined signal from themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. The informationgathering device then activates its camera 102 to begin acquiringpictures in step 142. The camera 102 is preferably aimed at the vicinityof the retractable wire affixing means 28, such that the cause of themovement will be viewable. In step 144, the RF transmitter 104 beginssending image information to the remote notification device 92. If theinformation gathering device also includes a microphone, the RFtransmitter 104 will also send audio information to the remotenotification device 92.

In step 146, the remote notification device 92 receives the informationtransmitted by the information gathering device at its RF receiver106/112/124 (see FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C, respectively). If the remotenotification device is implemented according to FIG. 14A, it forwardsthe received information to the computer 94 in step 148A. The computer94 then establishes a network connection, as necessary, and forwards theinformation to the remote host 96 in step 150A. If the remotenotification device is implemented according to FIG. 14B or 14C, itbuffers the received information in its memory 122/132 in step 148B. Instep 150B, the remote notification device establishes a networkconnection, as necessary, and forwards the information to the remotehost 96.

The remote host 96 can be implemented as an Internet host that respondsto the information received from the remote notification device 92 aseither an information processing point or a store-and-retrieval point.For example, the host 96 might be a server at a security agency thatdisplays the received information on a monitor for viewing by a securityagent. Alternatively, the information could be forwarded, via email orthe like, to the owner of the premises where the system 10 is located,or elsewhere. Still further, the host 96 might itself be an email serverthat receives the information from the remote notification device 92 asan attachment to an email addressed to the owner of the premises undersurveillance, or elsewhere.

Turning now to FIGS. 16-20, an additional optional aspect of theinvention will be described that allows object identificationinformation to be provided locally and/or remotely to a designatedlocation, such as a subscriber's forwarding telephone number, a lawenforcement agency, or a security agency. In this way, when asubscriber's movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 istriggered, a meaningful description of the object to which the devicewas attached can be provided as part of the security responseimplemented by the receiver means 30.

In FIG. 16, the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 ofFIG. 9 is shown with additional components that allow it to store aunique identifier, such as a digital code word, and then wirelesslytransmit the identifier to the receiver means 30 (see FIG. 1) wheneverthe object whose movement is to be detected is displaced from apredetermined position. In the exemplary design of FIG. 16, the uniqueidentifier is stored in a data store 200 of suitable size. By way ofexample only, the data store 200 can be implemented using a flash ROM orRAM memory chip (or plug-in card) whose size is based on the requiredsize of the unique identifier. For example, if the unique identifier isa product serial number comprising “n” ASCII characters, the data storecan be implemented as an “n×8” memory array, as an “n/2×16” memoryarray, as an “n/4×3” memory array, and so on. Note that the term “uniqueidentifier” does not necessarily require that the identifier be uniquerelative all other movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20owned by all subscribers. Rather, in view of certain programmabilityfeatures described in more detail below, the unique identifier need onlybe unique with respect to the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 owned by one subscriber.

Closure of the switch 3 (as a result of displacement of the object whosemovement is to be detected) activates the transmitter 4 and alsoprovides a sense input to a control logic circuit 202. The latter can beimplemented in fairly straightforward fashion as a data selector withclocking to facilitate selective (e.g., sequential) output from one ormore array locations in the data store 200. Alternatively, to provide amore feature-rich design, the logic circuit 202 could be implemented asa programmable processor. In that event, the data store 200 willpreferably contain the processor's control programming code in additionto the unique identifier. A programmable processor implementation of thelogic circuit 202 would also facilitate the implementation of otheruseful functions in the movement detecting and signal transmitting means20, such as the ability to control the device from the receiver means 30or some other remote location. Thus, assuming a radio receiver 206 (seeFIG. 16) is added to the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20, or combined with the radio transmitter 4 as a transceiver, thecontrol logic 202 could be remotely programmed via radio control tofacilitate a variety of operations, such as polling the device todetermine operating conditions, battery states or other usefulinformation, and programming the device to set and/or reset its variousoperational characteristics.

When the control circuit 202 is activated upon closure of the switch 3,the unique identifier in the data store 200 is transferred to a D/A(Digital-to-Analog) converter 204 and converted to a correspondinganalog signal. The analog signal is used to modulate the RF output ofthe transmitter 4 (see FIG. 9), such that the unique identifier iswirelessly transmitted to the receiver means 30 as an encoded RF signal.Alternatively, the unique identifier could be transmitted in digitalform without D/A conversion.

In FIG. 17, the receiver means 30 of FIG. 10 is shown with additionalcomponents that allow it to process the encoded RF signal received fromthe movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 and convert itto digital form (as necessary) to recover the unique identifier. Theunique identifier is then processed (either locally, remotely or both)for conversion to object identification information identifying theobject to which the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20is attached. Regardless of where the unique identifier is converted, theobject identification information can be output locally at the receivermeans and/or it can be provided remotely to a forwarding telephonenumber designated by the subscriber, or to another location such as alaw enforcement or security agency.

In the exemplary design of FIG. 17, the receiver means 30 includes theantenna and the receiver of FIG. 10. The receiver is tuned to thefrequency of the transmitter 4 in the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20. It demodulates the encoded RF signal. If theunique identifier is received in analog form, it is forwarded to an A/D(Analog-to-Digital) converter 220 for conversion to digital form. Theunique identifier is then provided to a control logic circuit 222. Thecontrol logic circuit 222 is preferably implemented as a programmableprocessor that is associated with a related data store 224 that containsprogramming code for the control logic circuit. The data store 224 canbe implemented using a conventional memory component, such as a flashROM or RAM memory chip (or plug-in card) whose size is minimally basedon the required size of the programming code.

The memory used for the data store 224 may further contain an optionallook-up table 226 if it is desired that the receiver means 30 convertthe unique identifier locally into object identification information. Anexemplary implementation of the look-up table 226 is shown in FIG. 18.This implementation features one or more row entries 228 for matchingthe unique identifier received from the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 with a descriptive word or phrase. Each entry 228comprises a data set that contains a unique identifier field 230 and adescriptive word or phrase field 232.

By searching the unique identifier field 230 for an entry that matchesthe unique identifier received from the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20, the control logic circuit 222 can rapidlycorrelate the unique identifier with a descriptive word or phrase thatidentifies the object to which the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 is attached. As shown in FIG. 17, the controllogic circuit 222 can then output this information locally in visualform to a visual display device 234 (e.g., an LCD), or audibly to aspeech synthesizer (e.g. wavetable) device 236, or both. This willpermit a person who is physically present within visible or audiblerange of the receiver means 30 to promptly determine the location of themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 that set off thealarm system 10.

The control logic circuit 222 can also be implemented to forward theunique identifier received from the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 as part of an alarm alert to a remote securityadministration system (not shown in FIG. 17) so that an objectidentification look-up can be performed remotely. As described in moredetail below, the security administration system can be programmed torespond to the alarm by sending an alert to a subscriber-designatedcontact location (e.g., a forwarding telephone number), advising thatthe alarm system 10 has been triggered and specifying the location ofthe movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 that triggeredthe alert. Additionally, or in the alternative, the securityadministration system can download the object identification informationto the receiver means 30 for output via the visual display device 234 orthe speech synthesizer 236. This feature could be used inimplementations where the receiver means 30 does not perform localconversion of the unique identifier to object identificationinformation.

A modem 238 in the receiver means 30 can be used for transmittal of theunique identifier via a telephone line to a remote computer hostimplementing the security administration system. Alternatively, thereceiver means 30 could be equipped with a data network interface forconnection to the remote computer host via a computer data network, suchas the global Internet. The connection could further include any of acable interface, an Ethernet interface, a radio/cellular interface, etc.that physically interconnects the receiver means 30 to the remotecomputer host.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing operational steps performed by thecontrol logic circuit 222 of the receiver means 30 in an exemplaryembodiment in which the unique identifier is transmitted to the securityadministration system for remote conversion to object identificationinformation. Beginning in step 240, the control logic circuit 222 isplaced in a listening mode to await input from one or more movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 within RF transmission range.In step 242, the control logic circuit 222 waits for input from the oneor more movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. If suchinput is received, indicating that one of the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 has been disturbed, an audible alarm issounded in step 244 via the circuitry of FIG. 10. In step 246, the modem220 establishes a connection with the remote computer host. In step 248,the unique identifier is fed to the modem 220 and transmitted to thesecurity administration system. A stored subscriber authentication codeis preferably also sent (in advance of sending the unique identifier),so that the receiver means 30 can be identified and validated. Thesecurity administration system may then optionally return objectidentification information if the receiver means 30 is adapted tolocally display such information. Otherwise, such information is notreturned by the security administration system. In step 250, the modem220 disconnects from the remote computer host. In step 252, the controllogic circuit 222 waits for a reset signal, e.g., from the remotecontrol unit 40 (see FIG. 1). When the reset signal is received, theaudible alarm is shut off and the receiver means 30 is reset to standbymode in step 254.

In FIG. 20, an exemplary security administration system 260 as describedabove is shown. The security administration system 260 includes acomputer host 261 and a modem pool 262 containing plural modems thatallow simultaneous connections with multiple alarm systems 10 associatedwith multiple subscribers. Although not shown, the securityadministration system 260 may also include a data network interface forcommunicating with multiple alarm systems 10 via a computer datanetwork, such as the public Internet. It will be appreciated that othertypes of communication interfaces (e.g., cellular telephone) could alsobe provided.

There is also connected to the computer host 261 a large capacity datastorage resource 264 (such as a storage array, a storage network, etc.)that stores a subscription database containing subscriber informationfor multiple subscribers. The subscription information includes datasets that may correlate the unique identifiers associated with eachsubscriber's movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 withobject identification information specified by the subscriber. Thesubscription information preferably further includes contact informationfor use in forwarding the object identification information.

The computer host 261 further includes a memory 266 that stores asecurity monitoring control program 267 for implementing thefunctionality required to receive and respond to incoming alarm alertsfrom the receiver means 30 of the multiple alarm systems 10. Inaddition, the memory 266 preferably further stores a subscriberregistration and provisioning program 268 that allows subscribers toregister for security service and provision profile information such asuser-specified object identification information to be associated withthe unique identifiers associated with their movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20. Subscribers are also able to provisioncontact information that allows the security administration system 260to contact them or other designated security notification recipients inthe event of a security breach.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing operation of an exemplaryimplementation of the security administration system 260 in response toan alarm alert sent from a receiver means 30. Beginning in step 270, thesecurity administration system 260 receives a modem call from asubscriber's receiver means 30. In step 272, the computer host 261receives a data burst from the receiver means 30. The data burstincludes an authentication code identifying the receiver means 30 and aunique identifier corresponding to the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 that was triggered. In step 274, an authenticationevaluation is made. If the receiver means 30 fails the authenticationtest, the authentication code can be sent to an administrator in step276 for verification. If the receiver means 30 passes authentication,the computer host 261 retrieves the subscriber's subscriptioninformation in step 278 from the subscription database of the datastorage resource 264. In step 280, the computer host 261 matches theunique identifier received in the data burst with the correspondingprofile information (which may include object identificationinformation) provisioned by the subscriber. In step 282, the computerhost 261 obtains the subscriber's contact information. This could be aforwarding location associated with the subscriber, such as a voicetelephone number, a facsimile telephone number, an email address, an IRC(Internet Relay Chat) address, or otherwise. The forwarding locationcould also be a law enforcement or security agency. Moreover, as statedabove, the forwarding location could also be the receiver means 30itself if local output of the object identification information isdesired.

The computer host 261 then initiates a security alert sequence based onthe subscriber's contact information. This sequence includes step 284 inwhich communication is established as necessary to the forwardinglocation and step 286 in which the object identification informationcorresponding to the activated movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 is delivered. For example, if the forwardinglocation is a voice telephone number, the object identificationinformation can be delivered as a live or synthesized voice message. Fortelephone, IRC, email or any other interactive media, the computer host261 can prompt and hold for a response. For a telephone, the computerhost 261 can prompt and hold for a response that represents the callrecipient pressing various buttons on his or her telephone in order toconnect to a designated emergency service agency or other entity. Forexample, the number “1” could be used to connect the call recipient to apolice department, the number “2” could be used to connect the callrecipient to a fire department, and the number “3” could be used toplace a custom call. Some other number, such as the number “4,” could beused to reset the alarm via the computer host 261.

If the forwarding location is a telephone or facsimile number, theobject identification information can be transmitted via the publicswitched telephone network to a remote telephone or facsimile machine.If the forwarding location is an email or IRC address, the objectidentification information can be transmitted via a data network fordelivery to a remote computer host. If the forwarding location is thereceiver means 30, the object identification information can betransmitted via the modem pool 262 to the receiver means.

Following delivery of the object identification information, the remotecomputer host 261 terminates the security alert sequence in step 288.This step preferably includes logging the date and time of the securityalert into the subscriber's account records, along with the objectidentification information. The logging operation can be used to createa security record and also for billing purposes.

As a result of the security alert sent by the security administrationsystem 260, the subscriber will be provided with very specificinformation about the nature of the security breach. In particular,because the object identification information is provisioned by thesubscriber, it can be personalized in a way that allows the subscriberto gauge their response to the security alert according to theinformation provided. For example, a young mother on a warm summer daymay wish to attach one movement detecting and signal transmitting means20 to the baby's crib during nap time, and another movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20 to a partially open window in thebaby's room. Upon receipt of the security alert, the mother will knowfrom the object identification information that the alert is either theresult of the baby waking up and jostling the crib or a potentiallyserious security breach due to an intruder attempting to raise thebaby's window.

As will now be described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 22,it is very simple for a subscriber to provision each of their movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 as these devices are attachedto different objects. A network-attached computing device and a fewmoments of time to fill in an online form are all that is required. Instep 290 of the provisioning process, the subscriber initiates contactwith the computer host 261 and the latter establishes a communicationsession. In step 292, the computer host 261 prompts the subscriber forregistration information (e.g., user name and password) if they have anexisting account, or to set up a new account if the subscriber is notyet registered. If, in step 294, the subscriber indicates that they needto set up a new account, the computer host 261 engages the subscriber inan account setup dialog in step 296. This will establish a record ofsuch information as the subscriber's name, billing address, login name,password, and an authentication identifier associated with thesubscriber's receiver means 30. The subscriber will preferably also berequested to accept a subscription agreement. The computer host 261 willthen create one or more account records in the subscriber database ofthe data storage resource 264, and if necessary, reserve storage spacefor the subscriber's provisioning information.

Following registration in step 296, or if the subscriber previouslyprovided a registration number in step 292, the computer host 261initiates a provisioning session in step 298. The provisioning sessioncan be implemented in a variety of ways, but preferably involves thesubscriber filling in fields in an on-line graphical form. Thus, in step300, the computer host 260 presents the subscriber with a web page orthe like containing a listing of one or more movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 that can be provisioned. Each line of thelisting will include a field specifying the unique identifier associatedwith the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20, anoptional field containing the device's object identificationinformation, an optional field for entering contact information. Whenthe subscriber first registers for service, the listing will be blank.For registered subscribers who have previously provisioned theirmovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20, the listing willshow the subscriber's current provisioning information. The subscriberthen updates the listing to suit their current needs.

In step 302, the subscriber signifies that they have finished updatingtheir provisioning information by submitting the online form. Thecomputer host 261 then implements a CGI script or the like to processthe form information in step 304 and update the subscriber's databaseinformation. Thereafter, the computer host 261 can terminate theprovisioning session in step 306. Alternatively, an optional step 308can first be performed in which the computer host 261 initiates acommunication session with the subscriber's receiver means 30. Thepurpose of this session is to download the subscriber's provisioninginformation to the look-up table 226 in the receiver means 30 so thatlocal conversion of unique identifiers to object identificationinformation can be performed.

It will be appreciated that step 308 could be eliminated inimplementations of the alarm system 10 where the receiver means 30 isconfigured to allow the subscriber to provision the look-up table 226 byhand. In particular, the receiver means 30 could be provided with a dataentry interface, such as a keypad and a display (not shown), that allowsthe subscriber to program object identification information into thelook-up table 226 (see FIG. 17) via the control logic 222. The receivermeans 30 could also be provided with an audio recording system (notshown) that allows the subscriber to record object identificationinformation as a series of audio messages that are each associated witha unique identifier in the look-up table 226.

Having now described various security functions of the alarm system setforth in the embodiments above, it is important to note that the alarmsystem could be adapted for additional purposes, such as industrialprocess monitoring and measurements. This functionality could beprovided by modifying the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 so that it produces an output indicating a distance that theretractable wire means 22 moves relative to the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 once the device has been set (see FIG. 1).This measurement feature could be for such functions as industrial tankexpansion measurement, and the like. The measurement feature could bereadily implemented with relatively minimal modification of the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20. For example, the fieldsensor 56 and the closing contact 3 of FIGS. 7-9 could be implemented asa reed switch that will open and close as the magnets 54 pass by. Eitherthe control logic 202 of the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 or the control logic 222 of the receiver means 30 can beprogrammed to count the number of pulses represented by each magnet 54passing by the field sensor 56. Each pulse would be associated with adistance that the retractable wire means 22 moves relative to themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. The total number ofpulses would thus correspond to the total distance moved. The distancecould be reset to zero when the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 is set, following which distance monitoring wouldbegin. Another implementation option would be to use optical counting byinstalling an optical source/detector pair in the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 and an optical signal modulator. Theoptical signal modulator could be an optical medium that is encoded withalternating light/dark bars, bar codes, etc. and which moves relative tothe source/detector pair in response to motion of the retractable wiremeans 22, so as to thereby modulate the optical signal. The componentsused in a computer mouse pointing device represent one opticaltechnology that could be used. The measurement information can be outputlocally by the receiver means 30 in audible or visual form, or it can besent to a remote location using any of the communication modalitiesdiscussed above, including telephone, network, cable, radio/cellularcommunication, etc. Once the receiver means 30 outputs its message tothe remote location, the remote location can respond to the message invarious ways, including (1) messaging response instructions back to thereceiver means 30 for forwarding to the signaling movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 or any of its counterparts, (2) forwardinga customized message to a designated forwarding location, (3) taking anyother appropriate action.

It should further be noted that a process measuring implementation ofthe invention may require consideration of environmental factors thatlead to a change in the materials used to construct the variouscomponents of the alarm system. For example, it may be desirable towater-proof the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 foroutdoor use. Similarly, will be understood that the retractable wiremeans 22 can be made from a variety of materials, including thread orstring, synthetic line (e.g. fishing line), or more durable materialssuch as steel, tungsten, or the like for high heat use.

Thus far in the description of the alarm system 10, the motion sensingfunction of the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 hasbeen implemented using a retractable wire means. Among the severaladvantages of this design relative to conventional security devices isthat objects being sensed do not have to be placed in a home orreference position in order to arm the system. A typical home securitysystem requires that all doors and windows be closed before the systemcan be armed. In contrast, the present alarm system 10 allows objects tobe in any position at the time of arming. One simply extends theretractable wire means as necessary to reach the object's currentposition. In further exemplary embodiments of the invention, theforegoing and other advantages are provided by way of a movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 that can be implementedwithout the use of retractable wires. In particular, a gyroscope sensoror an accelerometer sensor (or an array of such sensors) may be used forinertial sensing by incorporating the sensor in a suitable housing thatis adapted to be removably secured, as by way of adhesive strips orother attachment means, to an object whose movement is to be sensed.Incorporating inertial sensing means that the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 can be more compact and less expensive thanother designs. Moreover, the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 is more versatile because it can be mounted directly to anobject while it is in any position and used to detect movement in anydirection (x, y and z axis), and in many cases rotation and tilt aswell. Inertial sensing thus holds promise for a myriad of potentialapplications in which sensing intelligence is applied to inanimateobjects of all shapes and dimensions, such as position sensing forvarious structures, process monitoring of volatile liquids or the like,location detection, safety and security, and other uses.

Gyroscopes have been used to detect the yaw, pitch and roll ofairplanes, boats and space craft for many years. In the context of thepresent invention, one or more gyroscope sensors incorporated in themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 can be used togenerate a signal corresponding to motion of an object to which themeans 20 is attached. Once motion is applied to the object, thegyroscope sensor's output will change. The degree of change can becompared to the gyroscope sensor's last memory state and an algorithmmay be used to determine the significant difference of the degree ofmovement. This facilitates determination of the type of event thatdisturbed the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. Forexample, the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 can nowdistinguish between a knock on a door or window and the opening thereof.If the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 vibrates, butis otherwise stationary, the algorithm will produce an output having oneset of characteristics (e.g., a high frequency signal pattern). If themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 is translated inspace, the output will have a different set of characteristics (e.g., alow frequency signal pattern).

FIG. 23 illustrates the basic circuit components of a movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20 configured with gyroscopic inertialsensing capability instead of a retractable wire means. The movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 is again designed to beplaced or adhesively attached to a surface, but the surface is on theobject whose motion is to be detected. Two gyroscope sensors 400A and400B are used. Each is oriented to sense movement in a plane defined bytwo geometric axes. Thus, one sensor can be used to monitor motionhaving an x component and/or a y component. The other sensor can be usedto monitor motion having a z component. Note that in any given plane,both translational and rotational (tilting) motion can be detectedinsofar as nearly all points on a rotating object undergo translation.

The gyroscope sensors 400A and 400B are mounted on a first componentboard 402, along with a communication module 404 and a battery pack 406that comprises one or more batteries preferably producing about 3 voltsDC or better. The gyroscope sensors 400A and 400B can be implementedusing a Micro Gyro 100 gyroscopic sensor available from Gyration, Inc.of Saratoga, Calif. The communication module 404 may be implementedusing the RF transmitter 4 of FIG. 9 or equivalent. It may also includethe RF receiver 206 of FIG. 16 or equivalent. An integrated RFtransmitter/receiver may also be used, such as the RFM TR100 916.5 MHzhybrid transceiver (up to 1 Mbps data rate) available from RFMonolithics, Inc. of Dallas, Tex. Alternatively, instead of an RFtransceiver, the communication module 404 could be constructed as anInfrared (IR) transceiver for “line-of-sight” communication with thereceiver means 30. The battery pack 406 can be implemented using two 1.5volt “AA” size batteries or equivalent.

A second component board 410 carries a patch antenna 412. The firstcomponent board 402 is overlaid onto the second component board 410, andthe combination is mounted into a suitable housing (not shown) that maybe similar in shape to unit shown in FIGS. 7-8 comprising the casing 31and the rear panel 66, albeit of smaller size insofar as there is noneed for the retractable wire and magnet components.

FIG. 24 illustrates the gyroscope sensors 400A and 400B, thecommunication module 404, and the battery pack 406, as well asadditional exemplary circuit components that may be used to implementthe movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 of FIG. 23. Inparticular, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 414 isimplemented (using model number EU00057-001 from Gryation, Inc.) toprocess the gyroscope sensor outputs into coordinate values. A lowcurrent voltage doubler 416 steps up voltage from the battery pack 406to power the ASIC 414. Also shown is a conventional low voltagemicrocontroller 418 that is programmed to provide various control anddata storage functions.

In particular, the microcontroller 418 includes a memory for storing aunique identifier that uniquely identifies the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 during security operations. When an objectto which the means 20 is attached is moved, the ASIC 414 passescoordinate values associated with the gyroscope sensors 400A and 400B tothe microcontroller 418. The microcontroller 418 provides the coordinatevalues together with the unique identifier associated with the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 to the communication module408 for transmission to the receiver means 30. The receiver means 30 ispreferably implemented according to the configuration shown in FIG. 17to include the control logic 222 and the data store 224. In addition tostoring the unique identifier for the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20, the data store 224 preferably maintains a set oflast-known coordinate values for the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means. The control logic 222 compares the receivedcoordinate values against the stored last-known coordinate values. If athreshold coordinate change has occurred, signifying translation orrotation of the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20, thereceiver means initiates an appropriate response. For example, if themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 is attached to aback door with coordinates X01, Y01, Z01, a slight movement of the doorwill change the coordinates to X02, Y02, Z02. The movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 will transmit these coordinate values tothe receiver means 30. If the change in any of the x, y or z coordinatesexceeds some movement threshold, the receiver means 30 can initiate asecurity response that may include the audible announcement “BACKDOOR!”.

It will be appreciated that the coordinate value comparisons could alsobe made by the microcontroller 418 within the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 itself. In that case, the receiver means 30would only be contacted when the movement threshold is exceeded.Moreover, instead of forwarding coordinate information to the receivermeans 30, any suitable alarm indicating signal could be sent to triggera security response. This signal could be nothing more than the uniqueidentifier for the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20,or could include additional status information, such as a status codeindicating the type of movement (e.g., vibration, translation, tilt,etc.).

As indicated above, the movement detecting and signal transmitting means20 may also be implemented using accelerometer sensing. This approach istypically less sensitive than gyroscopic sensing, but the sensorrequires less power and is generally more durable. There are variousaccelerometer designs that may be used in the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20. One design is based on a conventional MEMS(Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems) accelerometer, such as the ADXL202Eproduct from Analog Devices, Inc. This accelerometer is commonly used inautomotive alarms. It measures acceleration along two geometric axes andoutputs analog voltage or digital signals whose duty cycles areproportional to acceleration. The duty cycle outputs can be directlymeasured by a microprocessor counter, without an A/D converter or gluelogic.

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 with an ADXL202E MEMSaccelerometer sensor 450 therein. The x and y outputs of the sensor 450are input to a microprocessor 452, which by way of example only, isshown to be implemented as a PIC16F873 microcontroller available fromMicrochip Technology, Inc. of Chandler, Ariz. Although not shown, anadditional accelerometer can be added so that movement can be sensedalong three axis. The microprocessor 452 converts the accelerometeroutputs into coordinate values and forwards them to an RF transceiver454 for transmission to the receiver means 30. Alarm processing is thenimplemented as per the discussion above regarding gyroscopic sensing.Alternatively, as also discussed above, coordinate processing could beperformed by the microprocessor 452 such that the receiver means 30 isonly notified when a movement threshold is reached. The RF transceiver454 is shown by way of example only to be implemented as a TR1100 hybridtransceiver available from RF Monolithics, Inc. of Dallas, Tex. Like theTR1000 transceiver described above, the TR1100 transceiver is a shortrange wireless data communication device. It operates at a frequency of916.3 MHz and data rates up to 1 Mbps.

Another type of accelerometer that may be used in the movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20 is a piezoelectric film accelerometer.The advantage of this construction relative to MEMS accelerometers isthat it requires no power, is more durable, and usually has a lowercost. A piezoelectric film accelerometer is conventionally constructedas a flat plate shear (FPS) system in which a mass is bonded to onesurface of a film of piezoelectric material while the other surface ofthe piezoelectric film is bonded to a fixed mounting surface. Thisconfiguration is shown in the accelerometer sensor 500 of FIG. 26. Inthis sensor, element 502 is the mass, element 504 is the piezoelectricfilm, and element 506 is the fixed surface. As the mass 502 is actedupon by a uniaxial acceleration (shown by the double-headed arrow inFIG. 26), its momentum shears the crystal matrix of the piezoelectricfilm 504 between the mass and the mounting surface 506. This causes acorresponding voltage to be generated by the piezoelectric film 504.

In FIG. 27, an alternative sensor 510 is shown that applicants haveconstructed using a conventional piezoelectric audio transducer (e.g.,buzzer) 512 of the type used in personal computers to generate audiblebeeps. Such transducers have been used in the past as vibration sensors.To make the transducer 512 sensitive to inertial movement, a mass 514 isadded to the brass diaphragm portion 516 thereof, on the opposite sideto which the piezoelectric element portion 517 of the transducer ismounted. The sensitivity of the sensor 510 to accelerating force isprimarily normal to the plane of the diaphragm 516, as shown by the longdouble-headed arrow in FIG. 27 (out-of-plane acceleration). In addition,because the center of gravity of the mass 514 will be spaced from thecenter of gravity of the piezoelectric element 517 (depending on theout-of-plane height of the mass), the sensor 510 is also sensitive toacceleration parallel to the plane of the diaphragm 516, as shown by theshort double headed arrow in FIG. 27 (in-plane acceleration).Acceleration of the mass 514 in this direction causes it to cantileverrelative to the piezoelectric element 517, causing distortions thereinthat produce an electrical output.

The mass 514 can be added to the sensor 510 in various ways. Forexample, it can be formed as a quantity of glue, solder or othermaterial that is applied as a drop, or deposited as a film, to thediaphragm 516. The mass 514 can also be added by securing a solidobject, such as a flat disk or washer (or any other suitable shape) madefrom steel or other material to the diaphragm 516. This approach isshown in FIG. 27 in which the mass 514 is a steel disk that is glued tothe diaphragm 516. Note that the mass 514 is concentrically mountedrelative to the piezoelectric element 517 and that the diameter of themass is selected to coincide with the diameter of the piezoelectricelement. Although not shown, the bond between the mass 514 and thediaphragm 516 extends under the entire surface area of the piezoelectricelement 517. This construction maximizes the distortional effect thatthe mass 514 has on the piezoelectric element 517 as it cantilevers(shearing force) relative thereto. If the mass 514 is made smaller thanthe surface area of the piezoelectric element 517, it may tend todistort a smaller portion thereof, thus reducing the electrical output.It will be further appreciated that if the dimension of the mass 514 isincreased the direction normal to the plane of the diaphragm 516, itscenter of gravity will be moved further away from the piezoelectricelement 517. This will tend to increase the cantilever (shearing force)effect of the mass 514 on the piezoelectric element 517 and increase thesensitivity of the sensor 510 to in-plane acceleration.

In tests conducted by applicants using a conventional piezoelectricaudio transducer, model number CEP-1126 from CUI, Inc. of Beaverton,Oreg., adding 9-15 grams of mass to the sensor 510 (a steel washerbonded to the diaphragm 516) was found to be effective, with betterperformance being obtained as the mass is increased. The actual massamounts that will be suitable for other types of piezoelectrictransducers will no doubt vary, but may be determined through routineexperimentation.

FIG. 28 illustrates another sensor 520 representing a modification ofthe sensor 510 of FIG. 27. According to this modification, the mass 514is not required. Instead, a conventional piezoelectric audio transducer522 is placed within a partial vacuum environment so that pressure wavescannot disturb the transducer. This can be done by sealing thetransducer 522 in an airtight enclosure 524, such as a vacuum sealedpouch made from a gas impervious material such as glass, metal,epoxy-encased plastic, etc. Only the leads of the transducer 522 willprotrude from the enclosure 524 so as to allow circuit connections to bemade. Alternatively, all or a portion of a circuit board or othercarrier on which the transducer 522 is mounted could be vacuum sealed ina suitable enclosure. Applicants have discovered that the enclosure 524prevents the sensor 520 from being triggered by vibrations, and allowsit to sense inertial movement, thus obviating the need for a mass(although some additional mass could still be used, if desired).Sensitivity to acceleration is normal to the plane of the transducer522, as shown by the double-headed arrow in FIG. 28. By way of exampleonly, a suitable transducer 522 that may be used to implement the sensor520 is the above-described CEP-1126 piezo audio transducer.

Advantageously, the sensors 510 and 520 are relatively immune to noise.Additional noise resistance can be obtained by performing doubleintegration (with respect to time) on the output signal to transform theacceleration signal first to a velocity signal and then to adisplacement signal. By sampling both the displacement signal and theraw acceleration signal, it is also possible to make determinations asto whether the sensor 510 was triggered by vibration (e.g., a knock on adoor) or long wave motion (e.g., the door is opening). In particular,the presence of an acceleration output without a displacement outputwould signify vibration only. The presence of an acceleration output anda displacement output would signify long wave motion. Note that thevelocity signal could also be sampled for applications such as processmonitoring wherein monitoring the rate of movement is important.

One advantage of the sensor 510 is that its sensitivity to accelerationis two dimensional. It will be appreciated, however, that even thoughthe sensors 500 and 520 sense acceleration in one primary direction,either sensor can be oriented in a manner that allows it to sense anobject's movement in two or even three directions. This can be done byorienting the sensor obliquely to the directions of interest. Movementin any one of the directions will then produce an acceleration componentin the sensor's primary sensing direction. For example, if sensing inthe x, y and z directions is desired, the sensor could be oriented so asto lie at 45 degrees in the x-y plane and 45 degrees in the y-z plane.Of course, an array of multiple sensors can always be used to measureacceleration in multiple directions.

Turning now to FIG. 29A, a schematic illustration of the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 is shown with an inertialsensor unit 550 incorporated therein. The sensor unit 550 can beimplemented with one or more of the piezoelectric sensors 500, 510 or520 described above, or with any other suitable accelerometer orgyroscope sensor. FIG. 29A also illustrates a microprocessor 552, an RFtransceiver 554, and a battery/power supply module 556. Themicroprocessor 552 is shown by way of example only to be implemented asan MSP430F148 mixed signal microcontroller IC from Texas Instruments,Inc. of Dallas Tex. The RF transceiver 554 is shown by way of exampleonly to be implemented as a TRF6901 RF-transceiver IC from TexasInstruments, Inc. Other like-kind devices could also be respectivelyused to implement the microprocessor 552 and the RF transceiver 554.

The output of the sensor unit 550 is provided to a microprocessor 552,which calculates one or more x, y and z coordinate values based on thisinput. These values can be forwarded by the RF transceiver 554 to thereceiver means 30, for comparison with corresponding last-knowncoordinate values in the manner described above. A unique identifier forthe movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 is also sent. Asdescribed above, the comparison can be performed alternatively by themicroprocessor 552. In that case, the receiver means 30 is only notifiedif a threshold change in position has been detected. No coordinate dataneeds to be sent. The movement detecting and signal transmitting means20 only needs to send its unique identifier, and possibly optionalstatus information, such as status code that specifies the type ofmotion (e.g., vibration, translation, rotation or some other externalcondition that triggered the sensor. Other status information, such as a“LOW BATTERY” code, a periodic “HEART BEAT” code, a time, date,temperature code, or any other code signifying an internal condition,could also be sent when appropriate.

FIG. 29B shows schematic circuit details of the sensor unit 550 in anexemplary construction that incorporates one or more of thepiezoelectric sensors 500, 510 or 520. The output from each such sensoris processed through an integration circuit that comprises theoperational amplifier U1B and the feedback loop comprising capacitorC10, and resistors R5, R6 and R7. The variable resistor R7 is used tocontrol the gain of U1B. A fixed value resistor could also be used ifgain adjustment is not required.

A second signal integration is provided by resistor R12 and capacitorC5. This double integration of the acceleration signal from the sensor500, 510 or 520 provides the desired output that corresponds todisplacement. A sensing threshold circuit can be provided by the twooperational amplifiers U2A, U2B and two resistors R15, R16, which can bevariable if it desired to allow manual threshold adjustments. The outputof the sensor unit 550 is delivered to the jack J1, which is used toconnect the sensor unit to the microprocessor 552.

The threshold circuits allow positive and negative displacementthresholds to be set for any given sensor of the sensor unit 550 so thatno output from that sensor is produced until an object's movementreaches a specified level. Note that positive and negative displacementthresholds can be set independently of each other in case it is desiredto have the displacement threshold in one direction be different fromthe displacement threshold in an opposite direction. The displacementthresholds can be used to prevent insignificant noise outputs from beingsent to the microprocessor 552. They can also be used to distinguishbetween small amplitude vibrations (e.g., a knock on a door) and largeamplitudes displacements (e.g., a door opening). If it is desired tosense both vibrations and displacements, an additional pair of thresholdcircuits (not shown) could be provided along with a second output jack(not shown). One threshold circuit could be set to respond to vibrationswhile the other is set to respond to displacements. Alternatively, thesingle threshold circuit of FIG. 29B could be used, with the signal intothe threshold circuit being compared with the signal out of thethreshold circuit. If there is an input signal but no output signal, itmay be concluded that the object being monitored is experiencing lowamplitude vibration. If the input signal is the same as the outputsignal, it may be concluded that the object is experiencing largeamplitude displacement. Another way to distinguish between vibrationsand translations would be to provide frequency dependent circuitry forselectively sensing short wave motion (vibrations) from long wave motion(translations).

An optional light emitting diode D1 may be incorporated in the circuitto provide a visual indication that the sensor unit 500 has beendisturbed by a motion in excess of the established thresholds. It willbe seen that FIG. 29B also shows components of the power supply 556 thatare used to provide the voltages “VA” and “VREF” used by the componentsof the sensing unit 550.

Turning now to FIG. 30, a modified version of the alarm system 10 isillustrated with additional wireless components not shown in FIG. 1.These additional components include an embodiment of the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 (removably mounted on theobject 24 using adhesive strips or the like) that employs inertialsensing. Also shown is an information gathering device 90 embodied as avideo or still image camera that can also be removably mounted to adesired location using adhesive strips or the like. The informationgathering device 90 of FIG. 30 is assigned to one or more of themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. When any of suchdevices sense motion and transmit their unique identifier to thereceiver means 30, the information gathering device 90 will also receivethe message. The information gathering device 90 will begin transmittingimages/video (and possibly audio information) to the receiver means 30,which is preferably configured to act as a remote notification device 92as shown in FIG. 12. Note that the information gathering device 90 canalso be activated by the receiver means 30, for periodic monitoring orif it is desired to have the receiver means 30 act as an intermediarybetween the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 and theinformation gathering device 90. In the latter scenario, the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means would pass its unique identifierto the receiver means 30, which would then communicate with theinformation gathering device 90, instructing it to commence itsinformation gathering function.

Two new components are also added to the alarm system 10 of FIG. 30;namely, a remote speaker system 600, and an environmental monitor 602.Both of these devices can be removably mounted at a desired location, asby adhesive strips or the like. FIG. 30 also shows an embodiment of theremote control unit 40 (which can be implemented as a key fob) in whichthere are three function buttons.

The speaker system 600 is adapted to produce an audio output in responseto a wireless signal sent by the receiver means 30. This will typicallyoccur when a movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 isactivated by movement of the object to which it is attached. Althoughthe receiver means 30 will generally also produce audio output, thespeaker system 600 provides the advantage of generating audioinformation remotely from the receiver means, such as in a room inanother part of a building, or outside a building. The speaker system600 can also serve as a “decoy” that an intruder might seek to disablebased on the mistaken assumption that the speaker system is the “nervecenter” of the alarm system 10. The audio output of the speaker system600 may include any combination of tones, speech or otherwise. Althoughone speaker system 600 is shown in FIG. 30, there could be any number ofsuch systems placed at any desired location within range of the receivermeans 30 (e.g., RF range for radio signals, line of sight for IRsignals, etc.). One or more of these speaker systems could be activatedat any given time. Stereo effects and the like could be obtained bycontrolling the timing of each speaker system's output.

FIG. 31 shows an exemplary implementation of the speaker system 600.Wireless communication with the receiver means 30 is provided by an RFtransceiver 604 that includes an RF stage 606 and amodulator/demodulator stage 608). Also shown is a microprocessor 610, anaudio processor 612, audio file storage 614, an audio amplifier 616, aspeaker 618, and a power supply 620. If desired, the RF transceiver 704and the microprocessor 610 could be implemented using the RF transceiver454 and microprocessor 452 used in the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 of FIG. 29A.

The speaker system 600 can be programmed with a unique identifier thatthe receiver means 30 uses to distinguish it from other speaker systemsused in the alarm system 10. The receiver means 30 can also send a codeword that specifies a message to be played, such as “BACK DOOR!,”depending on which movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20was activated. The word code could also specify one of several languagesto be used for the output (e.g., English, Spanish, German, etc.). Themicroprocessor 610 uses the word code to instruct the audio processor612 to select the appropriate sound file, e.g., “BACK DOOR!”, from theaudio file storage 614. Note that the number of words associated witheach word code is limited only by the storage capacity of the audio filestorage 614. However, a six-word audio message (optionally stored inseveral languages) should be sufficient for most purposes.

A security state code can also be sent by the receiver means 30 toindicate how the audio output should be generated. In particular, thereceiver means 30 can be programmed so that each movement detecting andtransmitting means 20 (as well as the environmental monitor 602) isassigned one of three distinct security states; namely, “ANNOUNCE,”“ALERT” and “ALARM.” The security code sent by the receiver means 30corresponds to the current security state of the movement detecting andtransmitting means 20 (or environmental monitor 602) that was activated.The microprocessor 610 in the speaker system 600 uses the security statecode to modify the speaker system's audio output according to thecorresponding security state. For example, assume a movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20 is mounted on the back door of apremises. When the back door opens, the speaker system 600 mightannounce “BACK DOOR!” a single time if the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means is currently assigned the “ANNOUNCE” state. In the“ALERT” state, the speaker system 600 might announce “BACK DOOR!”multiple times or repeatedly until instructed by the receiver means 30to terminate the output. In the “ALARM” state, the speaker system 600might announce “BACK DOOR!” repeatedly plus generate a siren outputuntil instructed by the receiver means 30 to stop. In addition, thereceiver means 30 will preferably initiate a security notification to aremote location, such as the security administration system 260 of FIG.20.

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary implementation of the environmental monitor602. The environmental monitor 602 can be constructed as a modifiedversion of the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 shownin FIG. 29A. In particular, there is a microprocessor 650, an RFtransceiver 652, and a battery/power supply module 654. Themicroprocessor 650 is shown by way of example only to be implemented asan MSP430F148 mixed signal microcontroller IC from Texas Instruments,Inc. of Dallas Tex. The RF transceiver 652 is shown by way of exampleonly to be implemented as a TRF6901 RF-transceiver IC from TexasInstruments, Inc. Other like-kind devices could also be respectivelyused to implement the microprocessor 650 and the RF transceiver 652.

The environmental monitor 602 further includes an environmental sensorunit 656 that comprises one or more sensors conventionally adapted tosense one or more of smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons(e.g., methane, propane, etc.) and other by-products of a fire, a gasleak, or other adverse environmental condition. The output of the sensorunit 656 is provided to the microprocessor 650, which is programmed tointerpret the sensor's output and produce environmentally-related statusinformation for transmission to the receiver means 30 via the RFtransceiver 652. This could include one or more status codesrepresenting information about an external condition being sensed, suchas elevated temperature, smoke level, carbon monoxide level, hydrocarbonlevel, etc. A unique identifier for the environmental monitor 602 isalso sent. Other status information, such as a “LOW BATTERY” internalcondition code, a “HEART BEAT” code, a time, date or temperature code,etc., could likewise be reported when appropriate. If desired, theenvironmental monitor 602 could also implement a local audio alertsystem, such as a beeper as used in a conventional smoke detector.

It should be noted that the functions provided by the environmentalmonitor 602 could also be provided by any or all of the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20. For example, if a movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 is constructed according toFIG. 29A, it would be relatively easy to incorporate one or moreadditional sensors for detecting smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, etc. Whena sensing event occurs (e.g., vibration, long wave motion, smoke, heat,carbon monoxide, etc.), the movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 could send an appropriately coded message to the receiver meanscontaining status codes for the sensors that were triggered.

The remote control unit 40 is shown in FIG. 30 to have three switches27A, 27B and 27C. The switch 27A can be used to provide the “PANIC”button described above in connection with FIG. 1. In particular, thealarm system 10 will immediately initiate an alarm response. The switch27B can be used as a “HOLD” button that disarms the alarm system 10 forsome period of time. For example, activating the switch 27B once coulddelay alarm activation for sixteen seconds, activating the switch 27Btwice could delay alarm activation forty-eight seconds, and so on. The“HOLD” button can thus be used to allow entry into a premises withoutimmediately triggering an alarm, and allowing sufficient time to disablethe alarm system 10. The switch 27C can be used as an “AWAY” button thatchanges the mode of the alarm system 10 to an “ALARM” state.

As shown in FIG. 33, the remote control unit 40 can be implemented as amodified version of the movement detecting and signal transmitting means20 shown in FIG. 29A. In particular, there is a microprocessor 700, anRF transceiver 702, and a battery/power supply module 704. Themicroprocessor 700 is shown by way of example only to be implemented asan MSP430F148 mixed signal microcontroller IC from Texas Instruments,Inc. of Dallas Tex. The RF transceiver 702 is shown by way of exampleonly to be implemented as a TRF6901 RF-transceiver IC from TexasInstruments, Inc. Other like-kind devices could also be respectivelyused to implement the microprocessor 700 and the RF transceiver 702.FIG. 33 further shows a switch module 706 that provides the threeswitches 27A, 27B and 27C.

The remote control unit 40 can also be provided with an RFID (RadioFrequency Identification) circuit as part of (or separate from) the RFtransceiver 702. This circuit becomes activated when the remote controlunit 40 is brought into proximity with one of the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20. It can thus be used when a person wishesto disturb a movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 withoutgenerating a security response. When activated in this manner, the RFIDcircuit will provide the remote control unit's unique identifier (as anRFID tag) to movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. If thelatter is thereafter triggered within some period of time, it willappend the RFID tag to its own transmission to the receiver means 30.The receiver means 30 can test the RFID tag to determine what responseshould be made (e.g., according to whether the remote control unit 40 is“RESTRICTED” or “UNRESTRICTED,” as described in more detail below).

The receiver means 30 of FIG. 30 acts as a central base station whenused in the alarm system 10. Its primary function is to wait for codedmessages transmitted wirelessly from the various components of the alarmsystem 10. In FIG. 30, this would include both of the movement detectingand signal transmitting means 20, the environmental monitor 602, theremote control unit 40, and the information gathering device 90. All ofthese components may be referred to as “triggers” because theycommunicate events to the receiver means 30 that cause a securityresponse to be triggered. The security response may include playingprerecorded announcements and initiating a notification sequence thatreports security information to the security administration system 260,or to any other specified endpoint (e.g., telephone number, IP address,email address, etc.). How the receiver means 30 responds is determinedby the security state of the triggering device (see above) and theoperating mode of the receiver means.

These modes include a “HOME” state, an “AWAY” state, and a “PANIC”state. The “PANIC” state has been referred to above. It causes thereceiver means 30 to immediately initiate an alarm response that resultsin appropriate security alert measures being taken, such as generatingaudio alarm messages and sending a security notification to a remotelocation, such as the security administration system 260. The “HOME”state means that the receiver means 30 responds to the various triggersbased solely on their programmed security state, i.e., “ANNOUNCE,”“ALERT” or “ALARM.” The “AWAY” state means that all triggers are set tothe “ALARM” state.

An additional alternative for the receiver means 30 is to provide a“QUIET” mode as part of any or all of the “HOME,” “AWAY” and “PANIC”states. The “QUIET” mode can be activated by way of manual input intothe receiver means 30 and/or by use of the remote control unit 40. Whenactivated, the “QUIET” mode disables or diminishes the audible alertsgiven when a trigger is activated. How the “QUIET” mode changes theaudible alerts can be programmed independently for each trigger and eachsecurity state thereof (i.e., “ANNOUNCE,” “ALERT” or “ALARM”), or can beset collectively for all triggers and security states. Note that if the“QUIET” mode is set for a trigger's “ALARM” state, the trigger will actas a silent alarm.

The coded messages from the triggers will preferably include a uniqueidentifier or “Trigger ID” and a status code that indicates the cause ofthe event that occurred. For the remote control unit 40, the status codewill represent activation of the “HOLD,” “AWAY” or “PANIC” buttonsdescribed above. For other triggers the status code will usuallyrepresent some external condition, such as a sharp short vibration, along waved motion, a temperature reading, a smoke reading, a temperaturereading, a carbon monoxide reading, a hydrocarbon reading, etc. Asdescribed above, all triggers can also sense and report internalconditions. The status codes may thus represent a “LOW BATTERY,”condition, a “HEART BEAT” signal, a time, date, or temperaturecondition, etc. A “LOW BATTERY” status code can be sent by a trigger toadvise the receiver means 30 that the trigger's battery needs to bereplaced. A “HEART BEAT” status code can be sent periodically by eachtrigger to advise the receiver means 30 that it is fully operational. Ifthe receiver means 30 stops receiving an expected “HEART BEAT” statuscode due to some problem at a trigger (low battery, hardware or softwarefailure, etc.), a security response can be taken. This could includeplaying an announcement (e.g., “COMMUNICATION WITH BACK DOOR HAS ENDED”)and/or reporting the event to the security administration system 260. Atime, date or temperature status code can be sent by a trigger whenreporting some external event to provide additional information that maybe useful in interpreting the event, maintaining event statistics, etc.Note, that as an alternative to a trigger providing time and dateinformation, the receiver means 30 could be programmed to record a timeand date stamp as each external event is reported by a trigger.

The receiver means 30 can be programmed to equate the status codes withevent response actions and with human recognizable events andconditions, such as knocking on a door (short vibration status code),opening a door or window (long wave motion status code), fire(temperature status code), smoke (smoke status code), an improperlyvented furnace (carbon monoxide status code), a gas leak (hydrocarbonstatus code), nonfunctional trigger, etc. This allows the receiver means30 to report conditions in human recognizable form. Alternatively, or inaddition, the security administration system 260 can be programmed toperform this function.

FIGS. 34A-34H illustrate an embodiment of the receiver means 30 that maybe used in the alarm system 10 of FIG. 30 to implement the foregoingfunctions. FIG. 34A schematically illustrates a microprocessor 800 andconnections thereto. By way of example only, the microprocessor 800 canbe implemented using the same kind of device used for the microprocessor552 in the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 of FIG.29A. The microprocessor 800 provides the required control functions forthe receiver means 30. It also includes a memory for storing (1) acontrol program, (2) security contact information such as telephonenumbers, IP addresses, email addresses, etc. of remote securitynotification endpoints, and (3) a data store, such as the data store 224of FIG. 17. As earlier described with reference to FIG. 17, the datastore 224 will store a unique identifier for each trigger, and may alsoinclude a look-up table 226 that associates the unique identifier withan optional word code that identifies the object to which the trigger isattached. In addition, each unique identifier can also be associatedwith stored values representing one of the three above-describedsecurity states, namely “ANNOUNCE,” “ALERT” AND “ALARM,” that will beused to determine how the receiver means 30 responds to trigger inputwhen it is in the “HOME” state. In the “AWAY” and “PANIC” states, thesecurity state for all triggers can be set to “ALARM” by changing thesecurity state values for each trigger, or by providing security stateoverride logic, or any other suitable means.

A further item that can be associated with each trigger's uniqueidentifier in the data store 224 is a set of ATTRIBUTE bits (or otherBoolean indicators). Each ATTRIBUTE bit for a trigger corresponds to oneof the status codes that the trigger is capable of generating. For themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20, this could includeATTRIBUTE bits corresponding to vibration, translation, a “LOW BATTERY”condition, a “HEART BEAT” signal, etc. For the environmental monitor602, the ATTRIBUTE bits could correspond to heat, smoke, carbonmonoxide, methane, etc., and a “LOW BATTERY” condition. For the remotecontrol unit 40, the ATTRIBUTE bits would include the “HOLD,” “AWAY,”and “PANIC” conditions.

Setting one of the ATTRIBUTE bits for a trigger signifies that thereceiver means 30 has received a status code from the trigger and hasnot completed servicing of the associated action. This allows for thequeuing of responses. If the receiver means 30 has not completedservicing a status code for a trigger, a repeat of that status code fromthat trigger will be ignored. Once the receiver means 30 has completedservicing that trigger/status code, its associated ATTRIBUTE bit isreset. This prevents the receiver means 30 from taking multiple responseactions for what is essentially the same trigger event. Note that otherstatus codes from the same trigger are not precluded. Thus, even thougha vibration status code received from a movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 (e.g., there is a knock on a door) will be ignoredwhen the corresponding ATTRIBUTE bit is set for that trigger, atranslation status code received from the same trigger (e.g., the dooris now opening) will not be ignored.

FIG. 34B schematically illustrates an RF transceiver 802 and connectionsthereto. By way of example only, the RF transceiver 802 can beimplemented using the same kind of device used for the RF transceiver554 in the movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 of FIG.29A. The RF transceiver 802 of FIG. 34B receives coded wireless messagesfrom the various triggers representing sensor and/or control inputs, andtransmits coded wireless messages to the speaker system 600 to produceaudio outputs in the form of words, phrases and/or sounds. With respectto all triggers, and depending on the programming of the receiver means30, the transceiver 802 could periodically transmit coded wirelessmessages that request the triggers to respond with current statusinformation. For example, instead of the triggers initiating thetransmission of periodic HEART BEAT information, the receiver means 30could be adapted to poll the triggers for such information.

FIG. 34C schematically illustrates a battery/power supply 804 andconnections thereto. The battery/power supply is designed to receive a12 volt DC input from a plug-in voltage converter (not shown) or toreceive a 12 volt DC input from a backup battery (not shown) in theevent of a power failure. The battery/power supply produces 3.3 volt and5 volt DC reference voltages at its outputs.

FIG. 34D schematically illustrates a speaker and audio port circuit 806and connections thereto. These elements allow the receiver means 30 toproduce local audio output regardless of whether a remote speaker system600 is present. A line jack for output to a remote (non-wireless)speaker is also provided. An audio processor 807 generates the audiooutput based on audio file (and security state) inputs provided from themicroprocessor 800. To that end, the data store within themicroprocessor 800 will preferably store the same audio file informationstored in the audio file storage 614 of each remote speaker system 600.Note that the audio processor 807 can be implemented using the speechsynthesizer 236 shown in the receiver means 30 of FIG. 17. By way ofexample only, a conventional PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) CODEC(Coder/Decoder) IC, such as the TLV32AIC1110 codec IC from TexasInstruments, Inc. of Austin Tex., may be used for this purpose.

FIG. 34E schematically illustrates a telephone connection circuit 808and connections thereto. The circuit 808 receives input from themicroprocessor 800 at a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) transceivermodem 809 that interfaces with a conventional POTS (Plain Old TelephoneService) line interface. By way of example only, the modem 809 can beimplemented using an MT8880C DTMF transceiver IC from ZarlinkSemiconductor, Inc. of Ottawa, Canada. The DTMF tones output by themodem 809 include the dialing number to a remote security administrationsystem to be dialed and the security data (see below) to be reported.The security administration system could be the system 260 of FIG. 20that processes the data received from the receiver means 30 in themanner described above in connection with FIG. 21. If desired, anInteractive Voice Response (IVR) feature could be used by the securityadministration system 260 to authenticate the receiver means 30 beforedata transmission is permitted.

Although the telephone connection circuit 808 shown in FIG. 34Eimplements a POTS line interface, it will be appreciated that a cellulartelephone module could be provided in lieu of or in addition to the POTSinterface, as could an ISDN interface, a cable interface, a DSLinterface, etc.

FIG. 34F schematically illustrates a keypad circuit 810 and connectionsthereto. The circuit 810 has a jack J2 that connects to a keypad (notshown) associated with the receiver means 30. Input from the keypad isprovided to the microprocessor 800. This input will include variousmanual control functions, such as placing the receiver means 30 in oneof the “HOME,” “AWAY” and “PANIC” states, implementing the “QUIET” mode,etc. The keypad will also be used to input data, such as a descriptorfor the object to which a movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans 20 is mounted, as well as a trigger's default security state forthe “HOME” state, i.e., “ANNOUNCE,” “ALERT,” or “ALARM.”

FIG. 34G schematically illustrates an LCD display connector circuit 812and connections thereto. The circuit 812 has a jack J1 that connects toan LCD display (not shown) associated with the receiver means 30. Outputfrom the microprocessor 800 is provided to the display, and may includeinformation about the operational modes of the receiver means 30 and thedata stored therein for the various triggers. Although not shown, avideo output could be optionally provided for directing videoinformation content (e.g., from an information gathering device 90) to atelevision set, a video monitor, etc.

FIG. 34H schematically illustrates an RS232 Port circuit 814 andconnections thereto. The circuit 814 includes an RS232 jack J5 and anRS232 driver/receiver IC 815. By way of example only, the IC 815 can beimplemented using a MAX232 RS232 driver/receiver IC from DallasSemiconductor, Inc. of Dallas, Tex. The circuit 814 allows serialconnections to be made to the receiver means 30 for programmingpurposes.

Except for the manner in which the microprocessor 800 is programmed, allof the above-mentioned components of the receiver means 30 of FIGS.34A-34H are conventional in nature. Additional aspects of theirrespective functions will become apparent from the flow diagram of FIGS.35A-35B, which is described immediately below.

Turning now to FIGS. 35A-35B, a flow diagram is shown to furtherillustrate the various functions performed by the receiver means 30 inthe embodiment of FIGS. 34A-34H. It is assumed that the receiver meansis in the “AWAY” state. In FIG. 35A, the default condition of thereceiver means 30 is to wait for a coded message from one of thetriggers. This is shown by step 900. In step 902, “HEARTBEAT” processingis performed and a security response is initiated if any trigger failsto provide its “HEARTBEAT” signal. In step 904 a coded message isreceived containing a unique identifier (Trigger ID) and a status codemodifier. In step 906, the receiver means 30 uses the unique identifierto look up the sending trigger in the data store 224 (see FIG. 17). Instep 908, the status code is checked to determine if it represents the“PANIC” button on the remote control unit 40 being activated. If itdoes, the “ALARM” state is initiated in step 910. In step 912, anATTRIBUTE bit corresponding to the “PANIC” state is set in the datastore entry for the remote control unit 40. As described above, this bitsignifies that the receiver means 30 is actively servicing the PANICstate status code from the remote control unit 40, and that subsequentPANIC state status codes from this device should be ignored by thereceiver means until the bit is reset.

If it is determined in step 908 that the status code received by thereceiver means 30 is not a “PANIC” command, a test is made in step 914to determine if the status code corresponds to the “HOLD” button on theremote control unit 40 (key fob) being pushed. If it does, a data storelookup is performed in step 916 to determine whether the remote controlunit 40 is “RESTRICTED” OR “UNRESTRICTED.”

A “RESTRICTED” remote control unit 40 is one that would be given tochildren or other individuals who do not have full security access toall objects protected by triggers. Any of the movement detecting andsignal transmitting means 20 can also be designated as “RESTRICTED” or“UNRESTRICTED.” A “RESTRICTED” remote control unit 40 cannot be used todisarm a “RESTRICTED” movement detecting and signal transmitting means20, but can be used to disarm an “UNRESTRICTED” movement detecting andsignal transmitting means. By way of example, if a “RESTRICTED” movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 is placed on a liquorcabinet, children with “RESTRICTED” remote control units 40 can neveraccess the liquor cabinet. However, they could open a play room doorprotected with an “UNRESTRICTED” movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20.

An “UNRESTRICTED” remote control unit 40 is one that allows fullsecurity access to all objects regardless of whether the movementdetecting and signal transmitting means 20 attached thereto is“RESTRICTED” or “UNRESTRICTED.” Step 918 reflects a determination instep 916 that the remote control unit is “RESTRICTED.” This causes steps920 and 922 to be taken in which a “RESTRICTED PAUSE” ATTRIBUTE bit isset for the remote control unit 40 and a restricted timeout period iscommenced, respectively. By way of example only, a one minute timeoutperiod may be used when the “HOLD” button of a “RESTRICTED” remotecontrol unit 40 is pressed. If the timeout period lapses before thereceiver means 30 is placed in a “HOME” state, an alarm response istaken in step 924.

If it is determined in step 916 that the remote control unit 40 is not“RESTRICTED,” as shown in block 926, steps 928 and 930 are implemented(see FIG. 35B) to set an “UNRESTRICTED PAUSE” ATTRIBUTE bit for theremote control unit 40 and to start a timeout counter according towhether the “HOLD” button was pressed once (16 seconds) or twice (48seconds).

As described earlier above, processing to determine whether the remotecontrol unit 40 has “RESTRICTED” or “UNRESTRICTED” privileges may alsobe performed in response to receiving a transmission from a sensingtrigger that has a remote control unit RFID tag appended thereto. Thiswould signify that a person (e.g., with the remote control unit 40 inhand) has disturbed a sensing trigger. In this situation, the responsemay be the same as if the HOLD button was pressed prior to disturbingthe trigger.

If it is determined in step 914 that the status code does not pertain toa remote control unit 40, a test is made in step 932 (see FIG. 35B) todetermine if the status code pertains to a sensing trigger. Assumingthere are no other types of triggers in the alarm system 10, the testwill be positive. Step 934 will be performed and a determination will bemade as to whether a pause is in effect due to a remote control unit“HOLD” button having been pressed. If no pause is in effect, step 936 isexecuted and the “ALARM” state is initiated. If there is a pause ineffect, a test is made in step 938 to determine if the sensing triggeris “RESTRICTED.”

If the sensing trigger is “RESTRICTED,” as shown in block 940, a test ismade in step 942 to determine whether a “RESTRICTED PAUSE” ATTRIBUTE bitwas previously set. If it is, the ALARM state is initiated in step 944.If it is determined in step 942 that no “RESTRICTED PAUSE” ATTRIBUTE bithas been set, it is assumed that there is an “UNRESTRICTED PAUSE” ineffect and no ALARM is made in step 946. If it is determined in step 938that the sensing trigger is “UNRESTRICTED,” step 948 is implemented andno ALARM is made.

The process flow for the “HOME” state of the receiver means 30 isessentially the same as for the “AWAY” state, except that an additionaltest is made following a positive determination in step 914 (see FIG.35A) as to whether the “AWAY” button has been pressed on the remotecontrol unit 40. If it has, the “AWAY” state is invoked.

When the receiver means 30 enters the ALARM state, it preferablyinitiates contact with a remote security location such as the securityadministration system 260 of FIG. 20. An example of such processing waspreviously described with reference to the flow diagrams of FIGS. 19(receiver means logic) and 21 (administration system logic).

FIGS. 36A-36B illustrate further details of the “ALARM” state processingthat can be implemented by the receiver means 30 and the securityadministration system 260 according to the present invention. Beginningin step 1000 of FIG. 36A, the “ALARM” state results in the receivermeans 30 contacting the administration system 260, hereinafter referredto as the ACS (Automated Central Service) 260, via one of the receivermeans' embedded telephone numbers. As described above, othercommunication methods, such as cellular telephone, IP or email, etc.,could also be used. Assuming telephone communication is used, the ACS260 may receive the call through an automated means as typically used inthe IVR (Interactive Voice Response) industry.

In step 1002, the ACS 260 sends the receiver means 30 a “READY-TO-SEND”signal and in step 1004, the receiver means acknowledges and startstransmitting information using any suitable protocol that is consistentwith the communication link being used, e.g., DTMF for telephone,CDMA/TDMA/GSA for cellular, etc. The transmission stream from thereceiver means 30 can include a Base station ID that identifies thereceiver means 30, a Trigger ID that identifies the trigger whichgenerated the alarm event, the status code(s) reported by the trigger,and the one or more word codes that identify the object to which thetrigger is attached. Each portion of the transmission stream can bedelineated by a # symbol or other suitable separator. The stream#A#0123456789#001#9876543210#1#875#003B234B111#D#” is one example where#A# initiates the stream, 0123456789 is the Base Station ID, 001 is atransmission stream type, 9876543210 is the Trigger ID, 1 is the statuscode, 875 is a checksum, and 003B234B111 are the word codes separated bya B character. The final #D# signifies the end of the transmissionstream.

After the ACS 260 receives the #D# characters, the transmission isvalidated in step 1006. If the transmission was correctly received, theACS 260 transmits a success code (e.g., #123#) and hangs up. Otherwise,as shown in step 1008, the ACS 260 will issue a resend sequence to thereceiver means 30. Alternatively, the ACS 260 could wait for a timeoutperiod while the receiver means 30 attempts to resend, and then hang up.In either case, the receiver means 30 will retransmit one or more times.If repeated retransmissions (e.g., three times) fail to produce asuccessful result and the ACS 260 terminates communication, the eventcan be reported to an ACS administrator. If the transmission isvalidated in step 1006, the transmission stream is accepted in step1010. In step 1012 the data received in the transmission is sent to thedatabase in the data storage resource 264 (see FIG. 20). This could bein the form of an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) document, an SQL(Sort Query Logic) statement or any other suitable query technique. Instep 1014, the database engine matches the Base Station ID to acorresponding entry in the database. If, in step 1016, there is no suchentry, step 1018 is performed and an ACS administrator is notified.

If a match is found for the Base Station ID in step 1016, a test is madein step 1020 (see FIG. 36B) to determine if the customer's account is upto date. If it is not, appropriate processing is performed in step 1022to notify the customer of the delinquency. If the customer's account isup to date, step 1024 is performed and the Trigger ID is sent to thedatabase to obtain a customer profile, including a list of telephonenumbers (or other contact information) to be called to delivernotification of the security event to specified recipients. Note that acustomer profile can include a telephone number listing for eachtrigger. This reflects the fact that triggers will be attached todifferent objects and the notification recipients may differ for eachobject. Thus, the notification recipients for a dwelling door may becompletely different from the recipients associated with a jewelry box.The dwelling door notification recipients might be a neighbor, a familymember and the customer's work telephone. The jewelry box notificationrecipients could be the customer's work telephone, the customer'scellular telephone, and the police. Note that the customer profileinformation may also include a language code for each recipientspecifying a language (e.g., English, Spanish, German), to use forcontacting each recipient.

In step 1026, the customer profile information, together with the BaseStation ID, the Trigger ID, the status code(s) and the word codes areused by the ACS 260 to initiate a notification sequence to therecipients in step 1028. Three options are available. The first option,as shown at step 1030, is to initiate a call attempt to each designatedrecipient (e.g., four) until a successful call completion and securitynotification is achieved. If all call attempts fail, a default actionmay be invoked, such as notifying an emergency response agency orhanding off security notification responsibility to a human operator.The second option, as shown in step 1032, is to call all recipientssimultaneously. This may be desirable for PANIC situations. The thirdoption, as shown in step 1034, is to conference all recipients togetherfor joint determination as to what response should be taken.

For each of the above three call options, the call sequence could beginwith a greeting (in a specified language) that announces the ACS 260followed by a prompt (e.g., “Press 1”) to confirm to the ACS that ahuman has answered the call. For the first option of step 1030, the ACS260 can prompt for a password from the first person called. If thepassword is not entered, signifying that an unauthorized individual hasanswered the call, or that a possible hostage situation exists, the ACS260 can hang up and try the remaining call recipients (with or withoutrequiring a password). Assuming a human answers the call from the ACS,and provides a password if requested to do so, the ACS will play asecurity notification to the call recipient, such as: “123 Happy DaleLane” (the customer's address), “Knock at Back Door” (status code andword codes). The ACS 260 can then provide a series of response options,such as “Press 1 for Police; Press 2 for Fire Department; Press 3 for[Other]”. Again, the language used for the notification can be specifiedas customer profile information.

Step 1036 represents the termination of each of the calls according tothe three options of steps 1030, 1032 and 1034. For the options of steps1030 and 1032, the ACS will direct the call to the designated recipientafter receiving the inputs 11, 12 or 13, and then terminate the call.For the option of step 1036, the ACS 260 will terminate the call afterthe last member of the conference has disconnected.

An additional function that may be provided by the ACS 260 is todownload security or other information to the receiver means 30. Thisinformation would typically not involve any specific events taking placewithin the alarm system 10, but would pertain to outside events, such assecurity notifications from a governmental agency like the U.S.Department of Homeland Security. By way of example, only, a color-codewarning in accordance with the Homeland Security Advisory System couldbe sent to all receiver means 30 served by the ACS 260. On a moregeneral note, the ACS 260 could also be used to provide commercialinformation, such as promotional offers, advertisements and the like, tothe receiver means 30. Such information could be coded by category andusers of the receiver means 30 could input a unique subscriber code thatis linked to one or more category codes. In that way, each person couldreceive information content that is of personal interest to them fromreceiver means 30.

Turning now to FIGS. 38 and 39, a piezoelectric inertial sensor 1100 isshown that may be used in a further embodiment of a movement detectingand transmitting means according to the invention. The sensor 1100 issimilar to the sensor 510 of FIG. 27 except that the mass 514 isreplaced with a mass 1102 that is inherently unstable and unbalanced.The mass 1102 is mounted to a conventional piezoelectric audiotransducer 1104 that includes a flexible, free moving brass diaphragm1106 carrying a piezoelectric element 1108 on one side thereof.Electrical leads 1110 and 1112 are respectively connected to the brassdiaphragm 1106 and the piezoelectric element 1108. Although the mass1102 is shown to be secured to the brass diaphragm 1106 in FIGS. 38 and39, it could be alternatively secured to the piezoelectric element 1108.

The mass 1102 is comprised of a primary mass element 1114 and asecondary mass element 1116. The primary mass element 1114 is sphericalin shape and can be implemented as a steel ball bearing that, by way ofexample only, is approximately 9-15 grams in weight. The primary masselement 1114 is secured to the transducer 1104 to provide a couplingconnection 1118. The coupling connection 1118 can be implemented by wayof adhesive bonding or using any other suitable securement technique.Preferably, the coupling connection 1118 has a small surface area. Thismakes the mass 1102 inherently unstable because any slight accelerationin the principal plane of the transducer 1104 will impart a rollingmotion to the mass 1102 due to inertial effects. The arrows “X” and “Y”in FIG. 40 illustrate the directional plane of acceleration that causesthe aforementioned rolling motion. FIG. 40 is a top plan view of thesensor 1100 looking down on the mass 1102. It further shows theperiphery of the brass diaphragm 1106 being mounted to a conventionalsupport ring housing 1120 of the type usually associated withpiezoelectric audio transducers. This ensures there will be adequateclearance for distortional movement of the brass diaphragm 1106 thatwill not be constrained by a surface or other structure on which thesensor 1100 would be mounted.

FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C show exemplary proportions of the primary masselement 1112 and the coupling connection 1118, and also illustrate howthe mass 1102 acts on the transducer 1104. It will be seen that therolling motion of the primary mass element 1112 is focused onto thetransducer 1104 by virtue of the small surface area of the couplingconnection 1118. As particularly shown in FIG. 41C, the cantilevercoupling moment is concentrated in a small area, thus easily flexing thebrass diaphragm 1106 (and thereby straining the piezoelectric element1108) to produce a transducer signal output when acceleration is appliedin the X-Y plane. The cross-sectional surface area of the couplingconnection 1118 is sized to introduce the desired amount of strain intothe piezoelectric element 1108, as sensitivity requirements dictate. Inmost cases, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the couplingconnection 1118 will be substantially smaller than the diameter of theprimary mass element 1114 to facilitate the aforementioned rollingmotion. In addition to reducing the surface area of the couplingconnection 1118 to improve sensitivity, other configuration changes thatmay be implemented for accomplishing this goal include increasing theweight of the mass 1102, increasing the separation of the center ofgravity of the mass from the transducer 1104, thinning the brassdiaphragm 1106 and/or thinning the piezoelectric element 1108.

Although not shown, another shape that could be used to provide anunstable mass for the sensor 1100 is a pyramid with its apex attached tothe transducer. Still another shape that could provide an unstable masswould be a large diameter cylinder or disk mounted to the transducer1104 by way of a small diameter post. Additional shapes will no doubtbecome apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachingsherein, and all such shapes should be considered to be included withinthe scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B, the sensor 1100 is also sensitive tomotion in the direction shown by the arrows “Z1” and “Z2” due to thefact that the brass diaphragm 1106 can be readily flexed in thisdirection to strain the piezoelectric element 1108. As additionallyshown in FIG. 40, there is also good sensitivity to rotational motion(in the direction shown by the arrows “R”). This is due to fact that themass 1102 is not only unstable by virtue of the coupling connection 1118to the transducer 1104, it is also unbalanced due to the secondary masselement 1116. The secondary mass element 1116 can be implemented using asteel ball bearing that is secured to or integrated with the primarymass element 1114. The secondary mass element 1116 is located on oneside of the central orthogonal axis that extends through a center ofgravity of the primary mass element (i.e., along the arrows “Z1” and“Z2” in FIGS. 41B and 41C), preferably at or near the equator (widestdiameter portion) of the primary mass element. As shown in FIG. 40, whenthe sensor 1100 is rotated in direction of the arrows “R”, the secondarymass element 1116 tends to inertially resist rotation of the primarymass element 1116, creating a shearing force at the coupling connection1118 where the latter is affixed to the transducer 1104. It will beappreciated that there are other shapes which be used in lieu of thespherical secondary mass element 1116, just as there are other shapesthat may be used to implement the primary mass element 1114. All suchshapes are intended to be included within the scope of the presentinvention. Moreover, insofar as production implementations of thepresently described inertial sensor may feature a single integrated massthat combines the functions of the primary and secondary mass elements,it will be appreciated that any number of integrated shapes could beselected and used for this purpose. These shapes will preferably benon-symmetrical to provide unstable/unbalanced masses, butunstable/balanced masses could also be used. Many different materialchoices exist.

Turning now to FIG. 42, the sensor 1100 is shown to be implemented in amovement detecting and signal transmitting means arranged in a compactbutton-shaped construction 1200. In the construction 1200, the sensor1100 is mounted in the support ring housing 1120. The latter includesmounting tabs 1202 that are secured onto conventional mounting clips1204 extending from a circuit board 1206. The circuit board 1206 mountscircuit components of the type described above in previous embodimentsfor processing the output signal of the sensor 1100. The circuit board1206 can also mount transceiver components for communicating with thereceiver means 30. Alternatively, transceiver circuitry could beeliminated if stand-alone sensing is desired with a local sensing outputonly, or if the sensor 1100 is being used as a switch to control adevice (see below).

A battery 1208 is mounted on the opposite side of the circuit board 1206to power the circuitry thereon. The circuit board 1206 and all of itsmounted components are placed within a main housing 1210. The mainhousing 1210 includes an upper cover 1212, and a lower cover 1214. Thelower cover 1214 is removable to allow access to the battery 1208 forreplacement thereof. The upper cover 1212 can also be configured forremovability, i.e., by virtue of threads 1216, if desired. An adhesivemember 1218 is mounted to the outer side of the lower cover 1214 tofacilitate affixation of the construction 1200 to an object whose motionis to be sensed.

Note that miniaturization of the construction 1200 could be achieved byusing the support ring housing 1120 of the sensor 1100 as a mainhousing. In that case, however, the circuit and battery components wouldhave to be small enough to fit within the available footprint.

Turning now to FIG. 43, the present invention may be embodied in aportable security kit 1300. The kit 1300 includes a receiver means 30, aremote control unit 40 implemented as a key fob or the like, and pluralmovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 implemented usingthe construction 1200 (or any other suitable construction). Theforegoing components are seated in a portable carrying case 1302, alongwith product instructions 1304.

Turning now to FIGS. 44A and 44B, a shock resistant piezoelectricinertial sensor 1400 is shown that may be used in a further embodimentof a movement detecting and transmitting means according to theinvention. The sensor 1400 includes a piezoelectric transducer 1402having a piezoelectric element 1404 and a flexible, free movingdiaphragm 1406 made from brass or the like to which the piezoelectricelement is mounted. Like the sensor 1100 described above, an audiotransducer is one example of a device that may be used to provide thepiezoelectric transducer 1402. Although not shown, the piezoelectrictransducer 1402 has electrical leads for connecting the device into asensing circuit (not shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B), which could beconstructed in accordance with the circuit of FIG. 29B, describe above.The piezoelectric transducer 1402 may be mounted to a structure (notshown) by a support element 1407, such as a pliable double-sidedadhesive member that adheres to the piezoelectric element 1404 and thediaphragm 1406.

A mass 1408 is mounted on the piezoelectric transducer for shock-induceddetachment and self-reattachment. The mass 1408 may be configured as aspherical ball or other shape that is inherently unstable in order toincrease sensitivity. For example, the mass 1408 could be a stainlesssteel solid ball having a diameter of ½ inches or 9/16 inches. Therounded shape of a spherical ball also allows the mass to roll when thesensor 1400 is accelerated in a direction that is parallel to theprincipal plane of the diaphragm 1404. Other mass shapes could also beused. The detachment and self-reattachment capability of the mass 1408may be provided magnetically using a magnet 1410 (e.g., a permanentmagnet such as a rare-earth magnet) mounted on the piezoelectrictransducer 1402. In some cases, it may be desirable to use a magnet 1410whose mass is relatively small in comparison to mass 1408 so that themagnet 1410 does not appreciably affect sensing. For example, the magnetcould be a small button magnet have a diameter of 5 mm and a thicknessof 2 mm. In other cases, it may be desirable to use a heavier magnet1410 if it is desired to have the magnet act as additional sensing mass.It would also be possible to select a magnet for use as the mass 1408,or to incorporate a magnet on or within the mass. In that case, a weakermagnet 1410 could be used. Alternatively, a magnetic material could beused instead of the magnet 1410. Another way to provide the detachmentand self-reattachment capability of the mass 1408 would be to use areleasable fastener with self-reattaching capability, such as hook andloop fabric fastener system.

As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, the magnet 1410 may be bonded at 1412 tothe diaphragm 1406 using a suitable adhesive (e.g., epoxy). The mass1408, which is made of a magnetic material such as steel, is then placeddirectly on the magnet 1410 (in contacting relationship therewith) andheld in position by way of magnetic attraction. Alternatively, as shownin FIGS. 45A and 45B, the magnet 1410 can be bonded at 1412 to a oneside of the piezoelectric transducer 1402 (such as the piezoelectricelement 1404), and the mass 1408 can be mounted to the other side of thepiezoelectric transducer and held in position by way of magnetic forcesexerted through the transducer material layers. FIGS. 45A and 45B alsoillustrate the use of a variant of the support element 1407 wherein thesupport material, such as double-sided adhesive, is formed as a ringwith a central dimple. The ring portion is shown by reference numerals1407A-1 and 1407A-2. The central dimple is shown by reference numeral1407A-3. It will be appreciated that that although FIGS. 44A and 44Bshow the magnet 1410 being attached to the diaphragm 1406, the magnetcould also be attached to the piezoelectric element 1404. Similarly,although FIGS. 45A and 45B show the magnet 1410 being attached to thepiezoelectric element 1404, the magnet could also be attached to thediaphragm 1406. In that case, the mass 1408 would rest on thepiezoelectric element 1404.

As described above in connection with the sensor 1100, when the sensor1400 is moved omnidirectionally, the mass 1408 tends to stay at rest,thereby inertially countering the applied force in an opposite directionto the force vector. The resultant stress applied by the mass 1408 tothe piezoelectric element 1404 creates either a positive or negativeelectrical signal that can be processed by a sensing circuit. As shownin FIGS. 44B and 45B, should a large force vector be applied with adirectional component that tends to pull the mass 1408 away from thepiezoelectric transducer 1402, the magnet force on the mass 1408 may beovercome such that the mass will temporarily detach from thepiezoelectric transducer 1402. For example, this may occur when thesensor 1400 is subject to a large shock load, such as when the sensor1400 is accidentally dropped in certain orientations. The temporarydetachment capability of the mass 1408 provides the sensor 1400 withshock resistance, such that the sensor can withstand such shock loadswithout detriment. Without shock resistance, the mass 1408 might breakfree from the piezoelectric transducer 1402. For example, this couldoccur if a fragile adhesive bond is used to attach the mass 1408 to thepiezoelectric transducer 1402.

With the shock resistant design of FIGS. 44A, 44B, 45A and 45B, the mass1408 will simply detach from the piezoelectric transducer 1402 when theshock load is large enough to overcome the attractive force of themagnet 1410, and then self-reattach once the shock event has subsided.The amount of force required to separate the mass 1408 from thepiezoelectric transducer 1402 may be designed into the sensor 1400 byselecting a magnet 1410 of appropriate strength. To assist inreattaching the mass 1408, the sensor 1400 may include a compartment1414 that maintains the mass in sufficient proximity to the magnet 1410following detachment so that the mass remains within the influence ofthe magnet's magnetic field, allowing it to return to its originatingposition following the shock event. The compartment 1414 may be providedby any suitable retaining device, such as a housing that contains thesensor 1400. As described in more detail below, the compartment 1414could be provided by additional structure, such as a resilient elementsurrounding a portion of the mass 1408.

In some cases, the sensor 1400 could experience a large shock load thattends to force the mass 1408 against the piezoelectric transducer 1402.Protection against this type of shock load is provided by the supportelement 1407 of FIGS. 44A and 44B, and by the alternative supportelement of FIGS. 45A and 45B, particularly the central dimple 1407A-3.Without the support provided by these components, the force of the mass1408 against the piezoelectric transducer 1402 could potentially crackthe diaphragm 1406 and/or the piezoelectric element 1404.

The sensor 1400 may be incorporated in a variety of devices that requireinertial sensing. One example would be a device that is activated ordeactivated by the sensor 1400 detecting inertial movement. Anotherexample would be a movement detecting device adapted to generate anoutput in response to the sensor 1400 detecting inertial movement.Another example would be a movement detecting and signal transmittingmeans adapted to transmit a wireless radio frequency signal in responseto said sensor detecting inertial movement. Such a device is shown byreference numeral 1500 in FIGS. 46-49 and may be used to implement theearlier-described movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20(e.g., as shown in FIG. 30) according to a further embodiment thereof.The movement detecting and signal transmitting device 1500 (which mayalso be referred to as a “trigger”) includes a circuit board 1502 thatmounts the sensor 1400 and various circuit components that are designedto respond to inertial movement detected by the sensor and wirelesslytransmit a predetermined signal. For example, the circuit componentscould include the sensor circuit of FIG. 29B and the signal processingand RF transmission circuitry shown in FIG. 29A. The circuit board alsomounts an RF antenna 1504. A battery (not shown) or other power source(e.g. solar) is likewise provided. FIG. 48 shows the sensor 1400 mountedto the circuit board 1502 using the support element 1407 of FIGS. 44Aand 44B. FIG. 49 shows the sensor 1400 mounted to the circuit board 1502using the alternative support element of FIGS. 45A and 45B.

The circuit board 1502 is mounted in a housing that includes a firsthousing member 1506 and a second housing member 1508. As shown in FIG.47, a protective element 1510, such as a piece of foam, may be placedover the circuit board 1502. The protective element 1510 is formed withan opening 1512 that surrounds the periphery of the mass 1408 andassists in laterally retaining the mass, preventing it from leaving thevicinity of the piezoelectric transducer 1402 and striking the circuitcomponents. As can be seen in FIG. 48, the second housing member 1508retains the mass 1408 in a direction that is normal to the principalplane of the piezoelectric transducer 1402. Together, the protectiveelement 1510 and the second housing member 1508 perform the retainingfunction of the compartment 1414 described above.

The movement detecting and signal transmitting device 1500 containingthe sensor 1400 may be disposed in a portable security alarm system fordetecting movement of an object and providing information relative tosuch movement. The system may be constructed in the manner shown in FIG.30. In this environment, the movement detecting and signal transmittingdevice 1500 may be attached to an object whose movement is to bedetected. The alarm system will include a receiver that receives apredetermined signal transmitted by the movement and detecting deviceindicating inertial movement of the object. The predetermined signalcauses the receiver to provide a security response, as by issuing alocal security alert and/or by providing a security alert to a remoteendpoint using one or more of a telephone number (such as by dialing auser's cellular telephone), an IP address, an email address or othercommunication technique. As described above, the predetermined signalmay include a unique identifier (e.g., a trigger identifier) and thesecurity alert may include object information determined from the uniqueidentifier that identifies the object whose inertial movement isdetected by the sensor 1400. As additionally described above, acomponent of the security system (e.g., the receiver) can associate theunique identifier with the object identifier and perform a look up whenthe predetermined signal is received.

The security alert may also include a visual image of the object that iscaptured by an information gathering device (e.g., a camera) that may beincorporated in the receiver or otherwise provided as part of thesecurity system. Additionally, although not shown, visual informationregarding a cause of object movement could be gathered by the movementdetecting and signal transmitting device 1500, as by incorporating acamera therein.

Accordingly, a portable security alarm system has been shown anddescribed. While the invention has been described in conjunction withvarious embodiments, they are illustrative only, and it will beappreciated that many alternatives, modifications and variations will beapparent to persons skilled in the art in light of the foregoingdetailed description. For example, the movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 could be provided using another alternativeimplementation based on a magnetic field sensor, such as the KMZ51Magnetic Field Sensor available from Philips Semiconductors ofEindhoven, Netherlands.

The KMZ51 sensor can be used for electronic compass applications or tosense local magnetic fields. In a compass application, the KMZ51 sensoris oriented parallel to the Earth's surface and produces a signal outputwhen its rotates relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. If two KMZ51sensors are placed in orthogonal relationship to each other, a preciseazimuth measurement can be obtained. A KMZ52 sensor, also from PhilipsSemiconductors, may also be used insofar as it incorporates two mutuallyorthogonal magnetic field sensors.

The foregoing sensors would be ideal for a movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 mounted on an object that is expected to undergorotational or pivotal movement, such as a door. FIG. 37 illustrates sucha movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 constructed as amodified version of the movement detecting and signal transmitting means20 shown in FIG. 29A. In particular, there is a microprocessor 1050, anRF transceiver 1052, a battery/power supply module 1054, and a magneticfield sensor unit 1056. The microprocessor 1050 is shown by way ofexample only to be implemented as an MSP430F148 mixed signalmicrocontroller IC from Texas Instruments, Inc. of Dallas Tex. The RFtransceiver 1052 is shown by way of example only to be implemented as aTRF6901 RF-transceiver IC from Texas Instruments, Inc. Other like-kinddevices could also be respectively used to implement the microprocessor1050 and the RF transceiver 1052.

The magnetic field sensor unit 1056 could be implemented using a singlemagnetic field sensor (such as the KMZ51) to detect rotational movementwithout necessarily quantifying the amount of rotation. Alternatively,the magnetic field sensor unit could be constructed more elaboratelyusing two KMZ51 sensors, or a single KMZ52 sensor, to both detect andquantify rotational movement. Again, all of the components of themovement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 of FIG. 37 can behoused in a case that can be removably mounted at a desired locationusing adhesive strips or other means.

Additional advantage can be obtained if a magnetic field sensor iscombined with an inertial sensor (e.g., a gyroscope sensor or anaccelerometer sensor) in a single movement detecting and signaltransmitting means 20 mounted on an object that is capable of pivotal orrotational movement, such as a door. FIG. 37 shows this construction inwhich the inertial sensor unit 550 of FIG. 29 is combined with themagnetic field sensor unit 1056. In this configuration, the magneticfield sensor can be used to verify events being sensed by the inertialsensor, and visa versa. Following are scenarios in which these sensorproperties can be used to characterize the cause of a sensing event on apivotable or rotatable object:

-   -   If the inertial sensor generates an output because of a sharp        vibration (e.g., a hinged door receives a knock), the magnetic        field sensor presumably will not respond and it can thus be        confirmed that the inertial sensor was triggered by vibration        and not long wave movement.    -   If the inertial sensor generates an output because of long wave        motion (e.g., a hinged door is opened), the magnetic field        sensor will also respond and it can thus be confirmed that the        inertial sensor was triggered by translational movement and not        vibration.    -   If the magnetic field sensor generates a slowly changing output        but the inertial sensor generates no output, it may be assumed        that the object is moving very slowly (e.g., someone is trying        to open a door surreptitiously to avoid sensor detection).    -   If the magnetic field sensor generates a quickly changing output        but the inertial sensor generates no output, it may be assumed        that a large metal object or other source of magnetic        interference has triggered the sensing event.

Thus, by interpreting the outputs from each of type of sensor, usefulinformation can be obtained that enhances the performance of the system10 of the invention.

Note that the foregoing scenarios can be performed with a gyroscopicsensor, or an accelerometer sensor or some other type of inertial sensorbeing used in lieu of a magnetic field sensor, in combination withanother inertial sensor adapted to sense vibrations (vibration sensor).By way of example only, the vibration sensor could be implemented usinga piezoelectric audio transducer without any additional mass being addedthereto, and with the transducer preferably being enclosed in a vacuumenvironment to screen out spurious influences, such as wind. Associatedcircuitry would then be programmed to look for signal patterns from thevibration sensor that are indicative of a significant vibration eventbeing experienced by object being monitored, such as a knock on a door.The control circuitry would additionally be programmed to interpret thesignal output of the other inertial sensor (e.g., the gyroscope, theaccelerometer, etc.) to make a determination about the object's longwave motion.

A further modification according to the invention would be to use aninertial sensor as a switch that activates or deactivates a device.Instead of sending a signal to the receiver means 30, the inertialsensor would activate or deactivate the device. A wide variety ofdevices could be activated using an inertial sensor in accordance withthe invention, for security purposes or otherwise. These include but arenot limited to another sensor within a trigger (such as a power-draininggyroscopic sensor), circuit components with a trigger, as well ashandheld tools or other implements that could be conveniently powered onwhen picked up, etc. Devices that could be deactivated using an inertialsensor would include fire-hazardous equipment that is desirably poweredoff when excessive motion is present, such as a furnace, hot waterheater or the like. The excessive motion could be due to a hurricane, atornado, an earthquake, or other catastrophic event. It will beappreciated that a sensor used as a switch could communicate wirelesslywith the device controlled by the sensor, or by way of a wiredconnection.

The invention is intended to embrace all such modifications, as well asall other alternatives and variations falling with the spirit and broadscope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An inertial sensor comprising a piezoelectric transducer having apiezoelectric element and a mass mounted on said piezoelectrictransducer for shock-induced detachment and self-reattachment.
 2. Thesensor of claim 1 wherein said detachment and self-reattachmentcapability of said mass is provided magnetically by a magnet mounted onsaid piezoelectric transducer.
 3. The sensor of claim 2 wherein saidmass is directly mounted to said magnet in contacting relationshiptherewith.
 4. The sensor of claim 2 wherein said magnet is mounted on afirst side of said piezoelectric transducer and said mass is mounted ona second side of said piezoelectric transducer.
 5. The sensor of claim 2wherein said magnet is permanently mounted to said piezoelectrictransducer.
 6. The sensor of claim 2 wherein said magnet is adhesivelybonded to said piezoelectric transducer.
 7. The sensor of claim 2wherein said magnet has a mass that is relatively small in comparison tosaid mass.
 8. The sensor of claim 7 wherein said compartment comprises ahousing.
 9. The sensor of claim 2 wherein said sensor includes acompartment that maintains said mass in sufficient proximity to saidmagnet following said detachment that said mass will reattach.
 10. Thesensor of claim 9 wherein said compartment further comprises a resilientelement surrounding a portion of said mass.
 11. The sensor of claim 1wherein said mass comprises a spherical ball.
 12. The sensor of claim 1wherein said sensor is disposed in a device that is activated ordeactivated by said sensor detecting inertial movement.
 13. The sensorof claim 1 wherein said sensor is disposed in a movement detectingdevice adapted to generate an output in response to said sensordetecting inertial movement.
 14. The sensor of claim 1 wherein saidsensor is disposed in a movement detecting and signal transmittingdevice adapted to transmit a wireless radio frequency signal in responseto said sensor detecting inertial movement.
 15. The sensor of claim 1wherein said sensor is disposed in a portable security alarm system fordetecting movement of an object and providing information relative tosaid movement, said system comprising a movement detecting and signaltransmitting device incorporating said sensor that is attachable to anobject whose movement is to be detected and which wirelessly transmits apredetermined signal indicating movement of said object, and a receiverfor receiving said predetermined signal and providing a securityresponse.
 16. The combination of claim 15 wherein said security responsecomprises a security alert provided to a remote endpoint using one ormore of a telephone number, an IP address, an email address or othercommunication technique.
 17. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensoris disposed in a portable security system adapted to provide a securityalert to a remote endpoint using one or more of a telephone number, anIP address, an email address or other communication technique inresponse to said sensor detecting inertial movement of an object. 18.The sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is disposed in a portablesecurity system adapted to provide a security alert to a remote endpointusing one or more of a telephone number, an IP address, an email addressor other communication technique in response to said sensor detectinginertial movement of an object, said security alert comprising objectinformation identifying said object whose inertial movement is detectedby said sensor and a visual image of said object.
 19. An inertial sensordisposed in a movement detecting and transmitting trigger comprising anattachment device for attaching said trigger to an object whose movementis to be detected, said trigger being in combination with a securitysystem that receives a wireless transmission of a security signal fromsaid trigger when said sensor detects movement of said object, saidsecurity signal comprising a trigger identifier and said security systemassociating said trigger identifier with an object identifier and havinga communication interface for sending a security alert comprising saidobject identifier to a remote endpoint using one or more of a telephonenumber, an IP address, an email address or other communication techniquein response to said sensor detecting said movement, said sensorcomprising a piezoelectric transducer having a piezoelectric element anda mass mounted on said piezoelectric transducer for shock-induceddetachment and self-reattachment.
 20. An inertial sensor disposed in amovement detecting and transmitting trigger comprising an attachmentdevice for attaching said trigger to an object whose movement is to bedetected, said trigger being in combination with a security system thatreceives a wireless transmission of a security signal from said triggerwhen said sensor detects movement of said object, said security signalcomprising a trigger identifier and said security system associatingsaid trigger identifier with an object identifier and having acommunication interface for sending a security alert to a remoteendpoint using one or more of a telephone number, an IP address, anemail address or other communication technique in response to saidsensor detecting said movement, said security alert comprising saidobject identifier as a name of said object and a visual image of saidobject, said sensor comprising a piezoelectric transducer having apiezoelectric element and a mass mounted on said piezoelectrictransducer for shock-induced detachment and self-reattachment.